The Central Michigan Chippewas (14-4, 3-2 MAC) travel to Akron to take on the Zips (10-8, 2-3 MAC) in a matchup that pits outstanding offense against superb defense. The game is scheduled to get underway at 7 p.m. ET on Tuesday, January 22, 2019.
Central Michigan Chippewas vs. Akron Zips Free Prediction
In the Chippewas’ last game, they were beaten by the Ball State Cardinals, 83-72. Ball State’s effective field goal percentage was their biggest strength over Central Michigan. The Cardinals had a rate of 0.615 (above their season average of 0.558), while the Chippewas posted a mark of 0.508. Rob Montgomery was Central Michigan’s leading scorer with 19 points on 8-for-13 shooting.
The Zips fell to the Miami (OH) RedHawks in their last matchup, 68-61. Miami (OH)’s free throw rate was their biggest advantage over Akron. The RedHawks had a rate of 0.200 (below their season average of 0.217), while the Zips posted a mark of 0.115 (below their season average of 0.221). Tyler Cheese had a good performance for Akron, leading both teams in scoring with 17 points on 6-for-14 shooting.
This is the second game of the season between these two teams. In the first, the Zips lost 88-86. Jimond Ivey led both teams with 24 points and also had 11 rebounds and seven assists. The Chippewas knocked down 11 of their 15 free throws (73.3 percent) and had a better effective field goal percentage (0.566 vs. 0.507).
Points at the line could be scarce for Akron in this battle. The Zips rank 246th in the NCAA with a free throw attempt (FTA) rate of 0.215, while Central Michigan ranks 44th in FTA rate allowed (0.185). Additionally, the Chippewas rank 29th in offensive efficiency (114.4), while the Zips rank 36th in defensive efficiency (93.9).
Central Michigan Chippewas vs. Akron Zips ATS Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Akron, ATS Winner – Akron, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Central Michigan ranks 48th in rebounds per game (38.9) while Akron ranks 207th (34.4).
The Zips average 29.2 three pointers per game, which ranks sixth in the NCAA. The Chippewas rank 162nd in three pointers allowed per game (23.1).
Central Michigan ranks 19th in steals per game (8.6) while Akron ranks 170th (5.4).
The Zips rank 21st in blocks allowed per game (2.4) while the Chippewas rank 126th (3.9).
Akron is seventh in the nation with 9.7 assists allowed per game while Central Michigan is 43rd with 11.2 assists allowed per game.
Bettings Trends:
The Chippewas have been outscored by an average of 0.6 points in their last five games. On the season, Central Michigan has defeated opponents by an average of 9.9 points.
During their last five games, the Zips have scored an average of 62.0 points per game (9.4 below their season average) and allowed an average of 65.2 points per game (2.8 above their season average).
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