Busting Brackets
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Bracketology 2023: 5 key matchups to watch on opening week

By Jason Burgess

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - APRIL 02: Exterior picture of the JW Marriott Hotel which has the entire bracket of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament hanging on its building on April 03, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - APRIL 02: Exterior picture of the JW Marriott Hotel which has the entire bracket of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament hanging on its building on April 03, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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NCAA Basketball
UAB Blazers guard Jordan Walker Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

Toledo vs. UAB November 11, 5:30 pm ET, Philadelphia, PA

In a game reminiscent of the old reason ESPN bracket busters, the Toledo Rockets take on the UAB Blazers at the barstool sports invitational in Philadelphia. Unlike bracket busters, with this game taking place early in the season it will be far less detrimental to the postseason resume of the loser. Both teams are considered favorites in their respective conferences with the ability to win tournament games in March.

Despite finishing first either divisionally or overall since head coach Tod Kowalczyk’s arrival at Toledo, the Rockets are still missing a MAC tournament title. Last season they went 26-8 but fell in the semifinals of the tournament, hoping to break through this season.

Gone is Ryan Rollins from last year’s team but the Rockets’ backcourt is still loaded RayJ Dennis and Ra’Heim Moss return, as does sophomore EJ Farmer who could play an increased role this season. But, Kowalczyk also brought in two transfers who should contribute right away. Tyler Cochran started 29 games for Ball State last season averaging 11.6 points and 5.6 rebounds and Dante Maddox who two seasons ago at Cal-State Fullerton averaged 12 points per game and shot nearly 43% from deep.

The added depth may be just what the doctor ordered to get the Rockets over the hump after Toledo relied on their starters more than nearly every team in college basketball. Toledo’s schedule is not that strong and this matchup with UAB may be the standout game of their non-conference slate.

Depth will not be an issue for the Blazers who not only return six of their top 9 guys from last season, including one of the most dynamic guards in the country when Jelly Walker announced he was returning. Andy Kennedy also brought in five transfers who should see key minutes this season, giving UAB the potential, at least early on to go 10 deep, leaving everyone fresher later in the year.

In addition to Walker, fellow seniors KJ Buffen, Trey Jemison, and Tavin Lovan return along with their 25 points and 18 rebounds. The Blazers’ newcomers include a pair of senior brothers and a pair of new faces from the SEC. The addition of Eric Gaines and the Brewer brothers, Ledarrius and Ty from East Tennessee State will help ease the scoring burden off of Walker some, and Javian Davis from Mississippi State will add some depth and more offensive punch to the frontcourt along with Buffen, Jemison and Ty Brewer.

Unlike Toledo, the Blazers could be in the at-large conversation if they don’t win the auto bid in a strong Conference USA, but first, they have to build a profile strong enough for consideration and a win over Toledo would be the first building block.

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