BOWLING GREEN, Ohio β All eyes in the Mid-American Conference will be on northwest Ohio Wednesday night for the Battle of I-75 in womenβs basketball.
Toledo (12-3 overall, 3-1 in MAC) and Bowling Green (14-2, 3-1 in MAC) will battle inside the Stroh Center with first place on the line in the MAC.
Over the years, there have been some big-time clashes in this rivalry, but in recent years, itβs been rare that both teams are atop the standings at the same time.
Last year, the Rockets swept the two meetings. Two years ago, the Falcons won both meetings. This year, both are back contending for the conference title.
"Both teams are having great years, we both want to win in the worst way and I think both teams are going to give it everything they have," said Toledo head coach Tricia Cullop. "This game has risen to this occasion more than one time in my 15 years. There have been multiple years where we've been in this position because they're both storied programs."
"When I came here, one of the things we really felt passionate about was making this game relevant, and making this a game that mattered," said Bowling Green head coach Robyn Fralick. "We can't wait for our student-athletes to have that experience to play in an environment like it'll be."
Historically, this rivalry showdown is the highlight of the conference season and brings out the best crowd of the year no matter where they play it.
"We're blessed because both programs have enjoyed fans that really appreciate women's basketball and it's the top drawing women's game in the MAC every year," said Cullop. "It makes it fun. Who wouldn't want to play in that?"
"It's all good things about women's basketball. We both have programs that have great tradition, great fanbases. It makes it a really cool place to play," said Fralick.
Bowling Green is the best offensive team in the MAC. Theyβre averaging 82.9 points per game. Toledo is the second-best defensive team in the MAC. The Rockets are allowing just 60.3 points per game.
The game will tip-off at 7 p.m. at the Stroh Center in Bowling Green and can be watched on ESPN+.