The Western Michigan Broncos (17-14, 9-9 MAC) and Akron Zips (13-17, 6-12 MAC) close out the regular season when they face off at University Arena in Read Fieldhouse. The game starts at 7:45 p.m. ET on Monday, March 5, 2018, and will air on ESPN 3.
Western Michigan opened as an 8-point favorite, while the game’s Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 144.5 points.
Akron Zips at Western Michigan Broncos Betting Prediction
The Zips come in on a high note after narrowly defeating the Kent State Golden Flashes in their last outing, 67-65. The Zips had a turnover percentage of 15.0 (better than their season average of 17.4) and had a free throw rate of 0.360 (above their season average of 0.221). With 20 points on 4-for-7 shooting, Daniel Utomi was the game’s leading scorer.
In the Broncos’ last game, they fell to the Central Michigan Chippewas, 84-71. One of Central Michigan’s largest strengths was their ability to convert at the free throw line. They were 22-23 (95.7 percent), while the Broncos were 12-15 (80.0 percent). With 22 points on 9-for-18 shooting, Thomas Wilder was Western Michigan’s leading scorer.
Akron could struggle to create turnovers. Western Michigan ranks 21st in the nation at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 15.6 percent), while Akron forces the 195th-most turnovers (18.6 percent).
Akron holds records of 13-17 straight up (SU) and 13-15 against the spread (ATS). Zips games have typically finished under the total (57.1 percent).
Meanwhile, Western Michigan is 17-14 SU and 11-16-1 ATS. There does not appear to be a trend for Broncos games in regards to the O/U total, as there has been an even split between games finishing over and under.
This will be the second game of the season between these two teams. In the first, Josh Davis scored a game-high 26 points and the Broncos beat the Zips 87-75, covering as 7-point favorites. He also recorded seven rebounds. The game finished with a total of 162 points, which was 17.5 points above the projected point total of 144.5 points. The Broncos had a better free throw rate (0.286 vs. 0.197) and had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (41.4 vs. 28.6).
Akron Zips vs. Western Michigan Broncos Free Pick
Free College Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Western Michigan, ATS Winner – Akron, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
On the road, Akron is 5-9 ATS with 8 unders and 6 overs.
At home, Western Michigan is 3-8-1 ATS with 6 overs and 6 unders.
Akron averages 26.4 three pointers per game, which ranks 29th in the nation. Western Michigan ranks 251st in three pointers allowed per game (24.1).
The Broncos rank 29th in steals allowed per game (5.1) while the Zips rank 106th (6.1).
Western Michigan averages 35.6 rebounds per game, which ranks 132nd in the nation. Akron ranks 157th in rebounds allowed per game (35.0).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Akron is 3-2 ATS with 4 unders and 1 over.
Western Michigan is 1-4 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders over their last five games.
The Zips’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 4.0, up from 3.6 for the season.
During their last five games, the Broncos have scored an average of 73.2 points per game (1.8 below their season average) and allowed an average of 78.8 points per game (5.6 above their season average).
