Offense meets defense when the No. 6 Nevada Wolf Pack (11-0) welcome the Akron Zips (7-4) to Lawlor Events Center. The game starts at 7 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 22, 2018, and will air on ESPN 3.
Akron Zips at Nevada Wolf Pack ATS Prediction
In the Zips’ last outing, 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). Jimond Ivey was a key piece for Akron with 12 points and 11 rebounds.
The Wolf Pack defeated the BYU Cougars in their last outing, 86-70. The Wolf Pack had a much better free throw rate (0.424 vs. 0.174) and had a better offensive rebounding percentage (23.9 vs. 19.6). Jordan Caroline was the game’s leading scorer with 25 points on 8-for-16 shooting from the field.
A number of players have been playing well over the last five games for Nevada. Averaging 0 points per game, Caleb Martin has led the way. Caroline (0 points) and Jazz Johnson (0 points) have also been excellent.
The game should be a matchup of strength against strength as the high-powered offense of Nevada takes on the elite defense of Akron. The Wolf Pack rank 11th in offensive efficiency, while the Zips are 28th in defensive efficiency. Moreover, the Zips rank 12th in turnover percentage (15.5 percent), while the Wolf Pack rank 288th in opponents’ turnover percentage (17.3 percent).
Akron Zips at Nevada Wolf Pack Free Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Nevada, ATS Winner – Nevada, O/U – Over
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Akron averages 29.5 three pointers per game, which ranks 11th in the NCAA. Nevada ranks 205th in three pointers allowed per game (25.0).
The Zips rank third in assists allowed per game (8.4) while the Wolf Pack rank 120th (13.2).
Nevada ranks 48th in blocks per game (4.3) while Akron ranks 131st (2.6).
The Wolf Pack average 38.6 rebounds per game, which ranks 59th in the country. The Zips rank 83rd in rebounds allowed per game (33.5).
Nevada is seventh in the nation with 4.3 steals allowed per game while Akron is 20th with 4.8 steals allowed per game.
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The Zips’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 16.4, up from 14.2 for the season.
During their last five games, the Wolf Pack have scored an average of 88.4 points per game (4.6 above their season average) and allowed an average of 66.2 points per game (1.4 below their season average).
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