The year 1980 is perhaps the most well-known number among University of Toledo men’s basketball supporters.
It represents the last time the Rockets reached the NCAA tournament and the talking point has become an annual annoyance for Tod Kowalczyk at the Mid-American Conference tournament.
Another number — or series of numbers — entered the UT lexicon last season: 10 of 22. That was Toledo’s free throw stat line in a 70-62 loss to Akron in the semifinals.
“I’m not saying that’s the only reason why we lost, but it was a big reason why we lost,” junior guard RayJ Dennis said.