The Central Michigan Chippewas (8-7) and the Mid-American’s top-ranked offense welcome the Akron Zips (13-2) and the 12th-ranked defense in the conference. Action begins at 7:00 pm ET on Tuesday, Jan. 12 and can be seen on ES3.
The Chippewas enter this game hoping for similar success after topping Bowling Green 79-67 on Saturday. Braylon Rayson was the game’s leading scorer with 27 points on 9-for-13 shooting. The Zips, meanwhile, are coming off a 62-53 win against Western Michigan on Friday. Antino Jackson was the team’s top scorer, registering 15 points on 5-for-11 shooting.
Isaiah Johnson has upped his play over the last five games for the Zips, averaging 16.0 points, 8.4 rebounds, 0.8 assists, 0.6 steals, and 1.6 blocks.
This showdown pits one of the nation’s top offenses against one of its elite defenses, as Central Michigan currently ranks 28th in offensive efficiency and Akron is 16th in defensive efficiency.
Notes
Ranked 16th, the Akron Zips have one of the top defenses in the country, giving up just 91.5 points per 100 possessions. The Central Michigan Chippewas rank 28th in offense, scoring 115.7 points in the same number of possessions.
The Akron Zips average 69.3 possessions per game and 1.100 points per possession. The Central Michigan Chippewas earn fewer possessions with 67.3, but they score more points with 1.157.
Akron has an average effective field goal percentage of 51.2%. Central Michigan is an underachieving 1-5 when opponents have a similar or higher effective field goal percentage.
On average, Central Michigan attempts 29.0 three pointers and Akron attempts 29.0. In games where they have 20 or more three point attempts, the Central Michigan Chippewas are even at 7-7 while the Akron Zips have a superb 12-2 record.
Akron, the 34th-ranked team in rebounding, registers an average of 41.2 rebounds per game. Central Michigan does worse, ranked 210th with 36.2.
The Akron Zips rank 89th in offensive rebounds. The Central Michigan Chippewas rank 209th in the nation in defensive rebounds.
On average, Central Michigan forces a turnover rate of 15.5%. When Akron turns over the ball at a similar or higher rate, the team has a dazzling 7-2 record.
