It will be a battle between MAC opponents when the Akron Zips (9-9, 2-4 MAC) welcome the Ohio Bobcats (9-9, 2-4 MAC) to James A. Rhodes Arena. The game is scheduled to get underway at 7 p.m. ET on Tuesday, January 23, 2018.
The Over/Under (O/U) for the game opened at 145 points with Akron set as a 2-point favorite.
Ohio Bobcats vs. Akron Zips Betting Prediction
The last time the Bobcats played, they beat the Eastern Michigan Eagles, 72-66. The Bobcats had a ridiculous free throw rate of 0.340 (above their season average of 0.211) and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.596 (above their season average of 0.497). With 24 points on 8-for-12 shooting, Jordan Dartis was the top scorer from either team.
The Zips were victorious over the Northern Illinois Huskies in their last game, 82-67. Akron launched 31 three pointers, making 15 of them (48.4 percent). Northern Illinois, on the other hand, was 4-15 (26.7 percent). With 15 points, 10 rebounds and five assists, Akron’s Jimond Ivey put together a good performance.
It could be a tough game for Akron on the offensive glass. The Zips are among the nation’s elite on the offensive glass, ranking 215th in offensive rebounding percentage at 28.4 percent. Meanwhile, Ohio ranks 55th in the nation at corralling defensive rebounds with a defensive rebounding percentage of 74.5 percent.
Ohio heads into the contest with records of 9-9 straight up (SU) and 5-6-2 against the spread (ATS). Vegas has typically been fairly accurate when setting the total of Bobcats games, with 7 overs compared to 6 unders.
Meanwhile, Akron owns records of 9-9 SU and 7-9 ATS. Of the Zips’ 16 games with betting action, 9 have finished under the total.
After splitting two games last season, these teams will meet for the first time this year. The Bobcats won the last contest 85-70. One of Ohio’s biggest strengths was getting to the charity stripe. They had 38 free throw attempts, while Akron had just 16.
Ohio Bobcats at Akron Zips Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Ohio, ATS Winner – Ohio, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
Ohio is 3-3-2 ATS on the road with 5 overs and 3 unders.
At home, Akron is 5-3 ATS with 5 overs and 3 unders.
Akron ranks 28th in three pointers attempted per game (26.6) while Ohio ranks 235th in three pointers allowed per game (24.4).
The Zips rank 98th in rebounds allowed per game (33.8) while the Bobcats rank 243rd (38.9).
Ohio ranks 48th in steals allowed per game (5.4) while Akron ranks 89th (6.1).
Betting Trends:
In their last five games, Ohio is 2-2-1 ATS with 5 unders.
Akron is 2-3 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs over their last five games.
The Bobcats have been outscored by an average of 5.2 points in their last five games. On the season, Ohio has scored an equal number of points as their opponents.
During their last five games, the Zips have scored an average of 68.2 points per game (3.7 below their season average) and allowed an average of 72.4 points per game (0.5 below their season average).
