It will be a battle between MAC opponents when the Miami (OH) RedHawks (8-9, 0-4 MAC) welcome the Akron Zips (10-7, 2-2 MAC) to John D. Millett Hall. The game can be seen on ESPN 3 at 3:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 19, 2019.
Akron Zips vs. Miami (OH) RedHawks Betting Prediction
The last time the Zips played, they defeated the Eastern Michigan Eagles, 51-49. The Zips had a much better free throw rate (0.156 vs. 0.040), while the Eagles had a turnover percentage of 24.6 (above their season average of 17.6). Jimond Ivey played a pivotal role for Akron with 12 points and five assists.
The RedHawks lost to the Toledo Rockets in their last outing, 71-59. Toledo’s turnover percentage was their largest strength over Miami (OH). The Rockets posted a mark of 9.5 (stronger than their season average of 14.8), while the RedHawks had a rate of 15.3. Nike Sibande put together a good game for Miami (OH), leading both teams in scoring with 26 points on 6-for-9 shooting.
After the RedHawks won both contests against the Zips last season, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. In the last matchup, Miami (OH) won 64-62. The RedHawks’ turnover percentage was their biggest strength over the Zips. Miami (OH) had a rate of 17.2, while Akron posted a mark of 22.8.
Half-court execution will be of utmost importance when a pair of the country’s slowest-paced teams battle. Miami (OH) currently ranks 290th in possessions per game (67.6) and Akron is 295th (67.3). The Zips should be expected to protect the ball well. They rank 23rd at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 15.7 percent). Conversely, the RedHawks force the 60th-fewest turnovers in the country (opponents’ turnover percentage of 17.3 percent).
Akron vs. Miami (OH) Free Pick
College Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Akron, ATS Winner – Miami (OH), O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Akron averages 29.4 three pointers per game, which ranks sixth in the NCAA. Miami (OH) ranks 159th in three pointers allowed per game (23.5).
The Zips rank seventh in assists allowed per game (9.6) while the RedHawks rank 94th (12.6).
Miami (OH) ranks 102nd in rebounds per game (36.7) while Akron ranks 128th in rebounds allowed per game (34.8).
The Zips allow the 17th-fewest steals per game (4.9) while the RedHawks rank 27th (5.2).
Miami (OH) ranks 15th in blocks allowed per game (2.3) while Akron ranks 22nd (2.4).
Bettings Trends:
The Zips’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 3.6, down from 9.9 for the season.
During their last five games, the RedHawks have scored an average of 68.0 points per game (6.2 below their season average) and allowed an average of 78.6 points per game (6.6 above their season average).
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