The Akron Zips (14-10, 6-5 MAC) will be at John E. Worthen Arena to meet the Ball State Cardinals (13-11, 4-7 MAC) in a MAC matchup. The game will air on ESPN 3 at 2 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 16, 2019.
Akron Zips vs. Ball State Cardinals ATS Odds
In their last game, the Cardinals won big over the Western Michigan Broncos, 79-59, while the Zips were beaten by the 25th-ranked Buffalo Bulls, 76-70.
Ball State played a nearly perfect contest. They had a solid effective field goal percentage of 0.592 (above their season average of 0.541) and a turnover percentage of 14.3 (better than their season average of 17.2). For those same stats, Western Michigan recorded marks of 0.420 and 19.1, respectively. Akron, meanwhile, forced Buffalo into a turnover percentage of 22.1 (above their season average of 13.8). Ball State received a boost from Kyle Mallers, who contributed 22 points and 10 rebounds. Tyler Cheese, meanwhile led the way for Akron, recording 16 points, six rebounds and six steals.
The Cardinals dominated this series last year, winning both games. In the last game, Ball State won 90-77. One of Ball State’s biggest advantages was getting to the charity stripe. They made 27 trips to the line, while Akron went 16 times. This will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams.
Contrasting tempos will be on display in this contest. Ball State prefers an up-tempo style of play (57th in possessions per game), while Akron is slower-paced (254th in possessions per game). Ball security should be an advantage for the Zips. They rank 59th at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 16.9 percent). Conversely, the Cardinals force the 62nd-fewest turnovers in the NCAA (opponents’ turnover percentage of 17.3 percent).
Akron Zips at Ball State Cardinals Free Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Ball State, ATS Winner – Ball State, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Akron ranks 13th in three pointers attempted per game (28.5) while Ball State ranks 251st (19.3).
- The Zips rank 12th in assists allowed per game (10.1) while the Cardinals rank 95th (12.4).
- Akron ranks 28th in blocks allowed per game (2.5) while Ball State ranks 88th (3.2).
- The Cardinals rank 41st in rebounds per game (38.3) while the Zips rank 245th in rebounds allowed per game (37.8).
- Akron ranks 28th in steals allowed per game (5.2) while Ball State ranks 120th (6.5).
Bettings Trends:
- The Zips’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 3.2, down from 7.5 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Cardinals have scored an average of 72.8 points per game (6.4 below their season average) and allowed an average of 74.8 points per game (1.4 above their season average).
