It will be a battle between MAC opponents when the Toledo Rockets (8-6, 0-1 MAC) welcome the Akron Zips (7-4, 0-1 MAC) to Savage Arena. The game can be seen on CBS Sports Network at 6:30 p.m. ET on Friday, January 5, 2018.
Toledo opened as a 9.5-point favorite, while the Over/Under (O/U) for the game has been set at 152 points.
Akron Zips vs. Toledo Rockets Free Prediction
The Zips are trying to rebound after their 87-75 loss to the Western Michigan Broncos in their last contest. Western Michigan’s free throw rate was their biggest strength over Akron. The Broncos had a rate of 0.286 (above their season average of 0.237), while the Zips posted a mark of 0.197 (below their season average of 0.230). Akron’s Jimond Ivey put together a solid performance, contributing 18 points, seven assists and five rebounds.
In the Rockets’ last game, they were beaten by the Buffalo Bulls, 104-94. Buffalo’s 7.1 turnover percentage was their biggest advantage over Toledo, who had a rate of 17.7. The Bulls’ mark was better than their season average of 16.6. With 16 points and 10 rebounds, Toledo’s Willie Jackson had a solid performance.
The high-powered offense of Toledo will go head-to-head against the mid-tier defense of Akron. The Rockets rank 80th in offensive efficiency, while the Zips are 225th in defensive efficiency. The Rockets figure to have the edge on that end of the court.
Akron heads into the game with records of 7-4 straight up (SU) and 5-6 against the spread (ATS). Games involving the Zips have gone under the total 54.5 percent of the time.
Meanwhile, Toledo owns records of 8-6 SU and 5-6 ATS. Rockets games have a tendency to go over the O/U total (63.6 percent).
After the Zips won the only contest against the Rockets last season, 71-65, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. The Zips’ turnover percentage was their biggest advantage over the Rockets. Akron had a rate of 9.1, while Toledo posted a mark of 15.4.
Akron Zips vs. Toledo Rockets Free Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Toledo, ATS Winner – Akron, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
On the road, Akron is 1-5 ATS with 4 unders and 2 overs.
At home, Toledo is 2-2 ATS with 4 overs and 0 unders.
Akron ranks 59th in three pointers attempted per game (25.4) while Toledo ranks 163rd in three pointers allowed per game (23.0).
The Zips rank 42nd in blocks allowed per game (2.7) while the Rockets rank 92nd (3.5).
Toledo averages 15.6 assists per game, which ranks 75th in the NCAA. Akron ranks 123rd in assists allowed per game (13.4).
The Zips rank 144th in rebounds per game (36.0) while the Rockets rank 152nd in rebounds allowed per game (35.6).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Akron is 1-3 ATS with 2 overs and 2 unders.
Toledo is 2-2 ATS with 3 overs and 1 under over their last five games.
The Zips’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 3.4, up from 1.6 for the season.
During their last five games, the Rockets have scored an average of 81.6 points per game (2.2 above their season average) and allowed an average of 74.4 points per game (3.5 below their season average).
