An eight-game home winning streak hangs in the balance for the Akron Zips (11-3, 1-0 MAC) when they take on the Western Michigan Broncos (8-6, 1-0 MAC) at James A. Rhodes Arena. Action gets underway at 7 p.m. ET on Tuesday, January 7, 2020.
Western Michigan Broncos at Akron Zips ATS Odds
Both teams were victorious in their last game. The Zips had no trouble getting past the Eastern Michigan Eagles 69-45, while the Broncos beat the Ohio Bobcats 77-65.
The Broncos made 24 of their 28 free throws (85.7 percent) and held the Bobcats to an effective field goal percentage of 0.394 (below their season average of 0.543). Meanwhile, Akron’s 0.641 effective field goal percentage was their biggest strength over Eastern Michigan, who had a rate of 0.292. The Zips’ mark was above their season average of 0.512, while the Eagles’ was below their season average of 0.493. Loren Cristian Jackson had a good performance for Akron with 17 points, six rebounds and five assists. Western Michigan received a boost from Brandon Johnson, who had 18 points and eight rebounds.
The Zips won the sole game between these two teams last year, 56-48. Akron’s free throw rate was their largest strength over Western Michigan. The Zips had a rate of 0.262, while the Broncos posted a mark of 0.097. This will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams.
Looking at effective field goal percentage, Akron figures to have a considerable advantage. The Zips defense ranks ninth in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.419), while the Western Michigan offense is ranked 265th in effective field goal percentage (0.480).
Western Michigan Broncos at Akron Zips Free Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Akron, ATS Winner – Akron, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Akron ranks 58th in rebounds per game (39.1) while Western Michigan ranks 238th in rebounds allowed per game (38.6).
- The Zips rank fifth in assists allowed per game (8.8) while the Broncos rank 79th (11.6).
- The Zips rank 33rd in three pointers allowed per game (18.3) while the Broncos rank 175th (23.1).
- Western Michigan ranks 44th in steals allowed per game (5.5) while Akron ranks 154th (7.4).
Bettings Trends:
- The Broncos’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 1.0, up from 0.4 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Zips have scored an average of 76.6 points per game (0.9 above their season average) and allowed an average of 63.0 points per game (0.1 below their season average).
