The No.1-seeded Akron Zips (24-7) play the No.8-seeded Eastern Michigan Eagles (18-14) in the second round of the MAC tournament at the Quicken Loans Arena. The game begins at 12:00 pm ET on Thursday, Mar. 10.
The Zips played well in their last game, beating Kent State 74-60 in their last matchup. With 12 points and 11 rebounds, Isaiah Johnson recorded his fourth double-double this season. The Eagles, meanwhile, are coming off a 69-60 win over Toledo in the 1. Raven Lee shot 7-for-17 and led in scoring with 19 points.
Based on each team’s statistical profile, ball protection could play an integral role in this matchup. Akron commits the 20th-fewest miscues in the nation (TO% of 16.2%), while Eastern Michigan’s ball-hawking defense forces the fourth-most (opponents’ TO% of 22.7%). Furthermore, getting to the line could play a crucial role for the Eagles. They rank 26th in the nation in FTA rate (44.0). However, the Zips are among the best in the nation at keeping opponents off the charity stripe (ranking 27th at 32.2).
This is the second game of the year between these two teams, with the Zips winning the first matchup 92-88. Reggie McAdams was a standout player in the game, producing 28 points, five rebounds, and seven three-pointers.
The Zips enter the game with records of 24-7 Straight Up (SU) and 15-10-1 Against The Spread (ATS). The Zips are one of the best in Division I in terms of three-point field goals, making 11.0 shots per game from beyond the arc. The Zips, sporting the 46th-best assist-to-turnover ratio in Division I (1.32), have proven themselves to be an extremely efficient offensive team. Turning to the defensive side, teams have to fight for open shots against the Zips, who have one of the best opponent field-goal percentages in the country at .416.
As for their opponent, Eastern Michigan has a SU record of 18-14 and an ATS record of 12-13. Eastern Michigan’s defense is one of the top in the nation, with opponents shooting only .423 from the field.
Akron beat Eastern Michigan in their most recent meeting this season, bumping its SU record to 7-3 over Eastern Michigan in their most recent meetings. The Eagles lead the matchup ATS with a record of 6-4. When it comes to field goals, rebounds, and three-pointers, Akron held the edge in all three of these categories two times in the last five meetings. Eastern Michigan never did so in those games.
Predictions: SU Winner – Akron, ATS Winner – Akron
Notes
“Akron is 9-3-1 ATS in its last 13 games “.
“Akron is 20-5 SU in its last 25 games “.
“The total has gone OVER in 9 of Akron’s last 12 games “.
“Akron is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Eastern Michigan”.
“Akron is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing Eastern Michigan”.
“The total has gone OVER in 5 of Akron’s last 6 games when playing Eastern Michigan”.
The Akron Zips rank 46th for their offensive rating of 112.8. The Eastern Michigan Eagles have a defensive rating of 103.3 (ranked 55th).
The Eastern Michigan Eagles average 72.2 possessions per game and 1.078 points per possession. The Akron Zips earn fewer possessions with 69.0, but they score more points with 1.128.
Eastern Michigan has an average effective field goal percentage of 49.6%. Akron is a winning 8-4 when opponents have a similar or higher effective field goal percentage.
Akron attempts an average of 30.0 three pointers per game and Eastern Michigan attempts 18.0. In games where they have 20 or more three point attempts, the Akron Zips have a superb 23-7 record while the Eastern Michigan Eagles have a 5-6 record.
Akron ranks 46th in the nation with an assist-to-turnover ratio of 1.32. Eastern Michigan is ranked lower at 285th with an A/TO of .90.
Akron, the 91st-ranked team in rebounding, register an average of 37.8 rebounds per game. Eastern Michigan does worse, ranked 183rd with 36.0.
The Eastern Michigan Eagles average 9.7 steals per game, ranked fourth in the nation. The Akron Zips are an even 3-3 when they give up at least 9 steals.
