Offense meets defense when the Central Michigan Chippewas (12-2, 1-0 MAC) welcome the Akron Zips (9-5, 1-0 MAC) to McGuirk Arena. The game gets underway at 7 p.m. ET on Tuesday, January 8, 2019.
Akron Zips vs. Central Michigan Chippewas Betting Prediction
In the Zips’ last game, they blew out the Cedarville Yellow Jackets, 70-50. The Zips had a much better free throw rate (0.183 vs. 0.016) and had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.492 vs. 0.389). Akron rallied around Jimond Ivey, who recorded 12 points and 11 rebounds.
The Chippewas easily got past the Concordia (MI) Cardinals in their last matchup, 98-67. The Chippewas had a much better free throw rate (0.308 vs. 0.092) and had a much better turnover percentage (13.1 vs. 22.6). Kevin McKay was the top scorer from either team with 27 points on 10-for-13 shooting from the field.
After the Zips won the only game against the Chippewas last season, 69-63, these teams will go head-to-head for the first time this year. The Zips knocked down 11 of their 15 free throws (73.3 percent) and had a better effective field goal percentage (0.509 vs. 0.449).
McKay and Larry Austin Jr. have played at a high level over the last five games for Central Michigan. McKay has averaged 0 points per game. Not to be outdone, Austin Jr. has put up 0 points a game during that span.
The game should be a showdown of strength against strength as the high-powered offense of Central Michigan takes on the top-notch defense of Akron. The Chippewas rank 25th in offensive efficiency, while the Zips are 17th in defensive efficiency. Also, the Zips rank 20th in turnover percentage (15.7 percent), while the Chippewas rank 60th in opponents’ turnover percentage (22.3 percent).
Akron at Central Michigan Odds Pick
Free Prediction: SU Winner – Central Michigan, ATS Winner – Central Michigan, O/U – Over
Click Here to Start Betting Today!
Notes
Betting Notes:
Central Michigan ranks 17th in steals per game (9.1) while Akron ranks 179th (5.2).
The Zips rank sixth in three pointers attempted per game (29.6) while the Chippewas rank 154th in three pointers allowed per game (23.2).
Central Michigan ranks 44th in rebounds per game (39.6) while Akron ranks 162nd (35.6).
The Zips rank 32nd in blocks allowed per game (2.5) while the Chippewas rank 137th (4.1).
Akron ranks fifth in assists allowed per game (9.1) while Central Michigan ranks 48th (11.2).
Bettings Trends:
The Zips’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 16.4, up from 13.2 for the season.
During their last five games, the Chippewas have scored an average of 83.6 points per game (4.1 below their season average) and allowed an average of 66.8 points per game (7.5 below their season average).
*****
