The Jacksonville State Gamecocks and the Toledo Rockets meet Friday in college basketball action from Ocean Center. Here’s a Toledo vs Jacksonville State prediction. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best Toledo vs Jacksonville State pick.
Jacksonville State Gamecocks Betting Preview
The Gamecocks blew out LaGrange in their opener 112-48, then took their first loss to Air Force 73-67 in game two. Jacksonville State got back to winning after that, however, taking out Georgia State and Coastal Carolina in the next pair.
The Gamecocks took on East Carolina in their Thursday matchup and took a two-point deficit into halftime. Jacksonville State surged on a 49-39 run from there however and won it 86-78. Jao Ituka led the scoring with 18 points, and Jaron Pierre chipped in 16 points with six boards and six assists.
Toledo Rockets Betting Preview
Over on the Rockets’ side, they started out the year on a sour note with an 84-74 loss to Troy. Toledo hit their stride after that defeat, dispatching Marshall, Wright State, and Detroit Mercy over the next trio for a 3-1 record overall.
The Rockets had their way with Stetson on Thursday. Toledo took a 51-35 edge into the second half, then poured in another 52 points on the way to a dominant 103-78 win. Sonny Wilson led the team in scoring with 21 points and six assists.
Why the Toledo Rockets will win
- Toledo has won each of its last eight games against the Conference USA.
- Jacksonville State has lost three of its last four games against the Mid-American Conference.
- Toledo has won the first half in seven of its last eight games against the Conference USA.
Why the Jacksonville State Gamecocks will win
- Toledo has lost five of its last six games played at neutral venues.
- Jacksonville State has won five of its last six games against non-Conference opponents.
- Jacksonville State has won the first half in three of its last four games against non-AP-ranked opponents at a neutral venue.
Matchup/League Facts
- Toledo ranks 7th among Division 1 teams for turnover percentage this season (10.4%).
- Toledo ranks T12th among Division 1 teams for turnovers per game this season (8.6).
- Jacksonville State ranks 363rd among Division 1 teams for opponent turnovers per game this season (7.2).
- Jacksonville State ranks 358th among Division 1 teams for steals per game this season (3.8).
Toledo vs Jacksonville State Prediction
I’ll probably end up going with Toledo in this one. You’ll likely be able to make a case either way though; we should have a fun matchup in store. That said, the Rockets have been on a tear over the last four outings. Toledo dismantled Stetson in Thursday’s game, hitting 56.9 percent from the field and 50 percent (13-of-26) from 3-point range alongside 18 assists and only five turnovers. That’s 82 or more points in four straight victories for the Rockets.
As for Jacksonville State, they’re coming off a strong effort Thursday despite something of a slow start. The Gamecocks shot 52.8 percent from the field with a 37-30 rebounding edge and only eight turnovers, but they missed some shots at the line (23-of-31 for 74.2 percent). That makes 71 or more points in all four of Jacksonville State’s wins. This one looks like another high-scoring affair on paper; it’ll be entertaining regardless of the outcome.