For two months, Toledo played subpar defense, alternating between disinterest and detachment.
But it was the nonconference schedule and the Rockets did have impressive wins. Surely, the back-to-back Mid-American Conference champions would resemble the program that went 32-7 over the past two seasons.
Instead, the same undisciplined, uninspiring defense from November and December showed up in the new year on Tuesday, as Ball State breezed into Savage Arena for the MAC opener and left with a 90-83 victory that was barely in doubt.
“It’s unacceptable,” junior point guard RayJ Dennis said. “It’s definitely something we can fix.