The Akron Zips (8-5) will attempt to continue their five-game home winning streak in a matchup against the Western Michigan Broncos (6-7) at James A. Rhodes Arena. The game gets underway at 2 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 5, 2019.
Western Michigan Broncos vs. Akron Zips Free Prediction
In the Broncos’ last matchup, they beat the Detroit Titans, 89-76. The Broncos had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (53.7 vs. 35.8) and had a better free throw rate (0.288 vs. 0.214). With 32 points on 12-for-18 shooting, Seth Dugan was the game’s high scorer.
The Zips easily got past the Cedarville Yellow Jackets in their last contest, 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 had a solid performance for Akron.
Points at the line could be scarce for Akron in this meeting. The Zips rank 210th in the NCAA with a free throw attempt (FTA) rate of 0.225, while Western Michigan ranks 60th in FTA rate allowed (0.190).
After splitting two games last season, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. In the last game, the Zips won 79-78. Akron had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (17.2 vs. 11.1). Western Michigan, on the other hand, had a much better turnover percentage (13.8 vs. 21.0).
Western Michigan Broncos vs. Akron Zips Odds Pick
Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – Akron, ATS Winner – Western Michigan, O/U – Over
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Akron averages 29.5 three pointers per game, which ranks 26th in the country. Western Michigan ranks 144th in three pointers allowed per game (23.2).
The Broncos average 37.5 rebounds per game, which ranks 92nd in the nation. The Zips rank 105th in rebounds allowed per game (33.6).
Akron ranks 149th in steals per game (5.0) while Western Michigan ranks 156th in steals allowed per game (7.6).
Bettings Trends:
The Broncos’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 3.2, up from 1.8 for the season.
During their last five games, the Zips have scored an average of 78.4 points per game (3.4 above their season average) and allowed an average of 62.0 points per game (0.6 above their season average).
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