The Akron Zips (6-3) welcome the Marshall Thundering Herd (6-4) to James A. Rhodes Arena as they look to extend their five-game home winning streak. The game is scheduled to begin at 2 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 15, 2018.
Marshall Thundering Herd vs. Akron Zips ATS Prediction
In the Thundering Herd’s last game, they thoroughly outplayed the Eastern Kentucky Colonels, 105-77. Marshall’s effective field goal percentage was their largest strength over Eastern Kentucky. The Thundering Herd had a rate of 0.553, while the Colonels posted a mark of 0.344. Marshall was lifted by C.J. Burks, who was the top scorer from either team with 30 points on 12-for-15 shooting.
The Zips had no trouble getting past the Cedarville Yellow Jackets in their last game, 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, Jimond Ivey played well for Akron.
The Thundering Herd won the lone game against the Zips last season, 86-64. The Thundering Herd made 16 of their 20 free throws (80.0 percent) and had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.547 vs. 0.429).
Ball security could play a key role in this contest. Dating back to last season, Akron has committed the 43rd-fewest miscues in the NCAA (turnover percentage of 19.1 percent), while the pesky defense of Marshall has forced the 13th-most (opponents’ turnover percentage of 20.1 percent). Additionally, the Thundering Herd, who rank 303rd in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.242), could have a tough time getting to the line against the Zips, who rank 37th in opponents’ FTA rate (0.257).
Marshall Thundering Herd vs. Akron Zips Odds Pick
Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Akron, ATS Winner – Marshall, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes (2017-Present):
Akron averages 34.4 rebounds per game, which ranks 85th in the country. Marshall ranks 284th in rebounds allowed per game (41.1).
The Zips rank 19th in steals allowed per game (6.0) while the Thundering Herd rank 203rd (7.0).
Marshall ranks 37th in assists per game (16.9) while Akron ranks 173rd (13.0).
The Thundering Herd rank 20th in blocks per game (5.6) while the Zips rank 126th (2.7).
Akron ranks eighth in three pointers attempted per game (27.3) while Marshall ranks 74th in three pointers allowed per game (20.7).
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