The Akron Zips (6-4) welcome the Tennessee State Tigers (3-6) to James A. Rhodes Arena as they try to prolong their five-game home winning streak. The game begins at 7 p.m. ET on Tuesday, December 18, 2018.
Tennessee State Tigers vs. Akron Zips Betting Prediction
The last time the Tigers played, they were beaten by the Lipscomb Bisons, 86-79. Lipscomb was effective at getting to and converting from the charity stripe. The Bisons made 27 of their 31 free throws (87.1 percent), while the Tigers were 11-13 (84.6 percent). Donte Fitzpatrick-Dorsey was the top scorer from either team with 26 points on 8-for-14 shooting.
The Zips dismantled the Cedarville Yellow Jackets in their last matchup, 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). With 12 points and 11 rebounds, Akron’s Jimond Ivey put together a good game.
Based on historical performance heading into this one, ball security could play a key role in this battle. Dating back to the 2017-18 season, Akron has committed the ninth-fewest miscues in the country (turnover percentage of 18.7 percent), while the ball-hawking defense of Tennessee State has forced the 42nd-most (opponents’ turnover percentage of 23.1 percent). It will also be a tale of two paces as the fast-paced Tigers rank 15th in possessions per game, while the more methodical Zips rank 283rd.
Tennessee State Tigers vs. Akron Zips Odds Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Akron, ATS Winner – Tennessee State, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes (2017-Present):
Tennessee State ranks 34th in steals per game (7.4) while Akron ranks 190th (5.6).
The Zips rank eighth in blocks allowed per game (3.1) while the Tigers rank 151st (3.3).
Both of these teams like to shoot the long ball. Akron is 10th in the nation with 27.3 three pointers per game while Tennessee State is 55th with 22.9 threes per game.
The Zips allow the second-fewest assists per game (12.0) while the Tigers rank 16th (13.3).
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