Offense meets defense when the Northern Illinois Huskies (11-8, 4-2 MAC) visit Akron to take on the Zips (11-8, 3-3 MAC). The game gets underway at 5 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 26, 2019.
Northern Illinois Huskies at Akron Zips Free Prediction
In the Huskies’ last contest, they topped the No. 14 Buffalo Bulls, 77-75. Northern Illinois held the Bulls to an effective field goal percentage of 0.442 (below their season average of 0.538). Buffalo, on the other hand, held the Huskies to an offensive rebounding percentage of 9.7 (below their season average of 31.3). Northern Illinois received a boost from Eugene German, who finished with 20 points and 10 rebounds.
The Zips edged the Central Michigan Chippewas in their last contest, 70-67. Akron’s free throw rate was their biggest strength over Central Michigan. The Zips had a rate of 0.262 (above their season average of 0.215), while the Chippewas posted a mark of 0.161 (below their season average of 0.300). Tyler Cheese was the game’s leading scorer with 20 points on 8-for-17 shooting from the field.
There’s a decent chance that Northern Illinois struggles to create turnovers. Akron ranks 18th in the NCAA at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 15.7 percent), while Northern Illinois forces the 251st-most turnovers (18.1 percent). Furthermore, the Huskies rank 58th in offensive efficiency (111.9), while the Zips rank 31st in defensive efficiency (94.1).
This is the second game of the season between these two teams. In the first, German scored a game-high 27 points and the Huskies beat the Zips 73-56. He also put up seven rebounds. Northern Illinois had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.632 vs. 0.410). Akron, meanwhile, did a fantastic job of making free throws (15-18; 83.3 percent).
Northern Illinois Huskies vs. Akron Zips Odds Pick
Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Akron, ATS Winner – Akron, O/U – Over
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Northern Illinois ranks 24th in rebounds allowed per game (31.2) while Akron ranks 174th (35.6).
Bettings Trends:
The Huskies’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 2.6, down from 5.5 for the season.
During their last five games, the Zips have scored an average of 64.8 points per game (6.5 below their season average) and allowed an average of 69.0 points per game (6.3 above their season average).
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