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NCAA: Top 10 Mid-Major Power Rankings

By Daniel Benjamin

Mar 23, 2014; St. Louis, MO, USA; Wichita State Shockers mascot performs during a time-out against the Kentucky Wildcats during the first half in the third round of the 2014 NCAA Men
Mar 23, 2014; St. Louis, MO, USA; Wichita State Shockers mascot performs during a time-out against the Kentucky Wildcats during the first half in the third round of the 2014 NCAA Men /
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Nov 18, 2014; Richmond, VA, USA; Virginia Commonwealth Rams forward Mo Alie-Cox (12) shoots the ball over Toledo Rockets center Nathan Boothe (53) in the first half at Stuart Siegel Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 18, 2014; Richmond, VA, USA; Virginia Commonwealth Rams forward Mo Alie-Cox (12) shoots the ball over Toledo Rockets center Nathan Boothe (53) in the first half at Stuart Siegel Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Toledo (1-1)

Toledo is one of the favorites to win the MAC. The Rockets played No. 15 VCU extremely tough before succumbing to the Rams Havoc defensive style late in the second half on Tuesday.

Toledo, which led 45-42 at halftime, took their last lead at the 10:59 mark in the second half in a game that saw nine ties and 12 lead changes.

The Rockets are led by junior center Nathan Boothe and senior guard Julius Brown. Boothe has been a force in the low-post averaging 18.5 points and 7.0 rebounds along with 2.5 blocks a game. He is shooting 76.5 percent from the field and 60.0 percent from beyond the arc.

Brown, a Bob Cousy candidate, has knocked down 6-of-11 his 3-point shots and is averaging 13.5 points to go along with 4.0 assists a game. But he had no assists and six turnovers against VCU.

Toledo defeated Northern Arizona 71-58 to open the season on Nov. 16.