The University of Toledo women’s basketball team has a chance to advance to the inaugural WBIT semifinals when it takes on Washington State in Thursday night’s quarterfinal in Pullman, Wash.
After knocking off Cleveland State and St. John’s at Savage Arena in the early rounds of the new postseason event, the No. 2 seed Rockets head west to face the top-seeded Cougars. Thursday’s winner will advance to the semifinals, which are set for Monday in Indianapolis.
Here are some statistical trends to watch between the two teams heading into Thursday’s 9 p.m. tipoff on ESPN+:
Finishin g strong
Both Toledo and Washington State have been at their best in the fourth quarters of games, both recently and throughout the season. The Cougars have outscored their opponents 650-535 in the final 10 minutes this season, with the Rockets putting up a 677-511 mark in that period.
In the WBIT second round, Washington State pulled away from Santa Clara with a 30-15 margin in the fourth quarter. Toledo came back against St. John’s with a 21-14 edge in the fourth to win 72-71.
Block party
Washington State averages 5.3 blocks per game, which ranks 12th in the country. The Cougars have seven players who stand 6-1 or taller, compared to just two on UT’s roster (Jessica Cook and Hannah Noveroske).
The Rockets typically do well in the paint, outscoring their opponents 156-106 there since the start of the MAC tournament and allowing just 1.8 blocks per game on the season. That prowess could be tested Thursday.
Deep connection
Toledo ranked fourth in the MAC in 3-point shooting this season but has struggled from beyond the arc since the start of MAC and WBIT tournament play.
The Rockets shot 6 of 22 from downtown against Western Michigan, 6 of 25 against Buffalo, 5 of 18 against Cleveland State, and 3 of 14 against St. John’s. Rediscovering that shooting touch will be key for UT against a WSU squad that allows an average of nine 3-pointers per game.
Half-baked
Toledo has found itself behind at halftime in all four of its postseason games, including 10-point deficits at the break against Western Michigan and St. John’s.
The Rockets have been outscored a combined 71-47 in second quarters of those games and are shooting 37 percent in first halves this postseason.
Foul play
Washington State has excelled at avoiding foul trouble, committing the ninth-fewest personal fouls per game (12.9) and allowing just 12.3 free-throw attempts. As a result, the Cougars don’t need to rely much on bench scoring, ranking just 219th in that statistic.
Toledo draws an average of 18.8 fouls and attempts 17.8 free throws per game. The Rockets will want to stay closer to those numbers against the disciplined WSU squad.
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