The Akron Zips (13-3, 3-0 MAC) will be at the Convocation Center to challenge the Northern Illinois Huskies (9-7, 2-1 MAC) in a MAC matchup. Action begins at 8 p.m. ET on Tuesday, January 14, 2020.
Akron Zips vs. Northern Illinois Huskies Betting Odds
Both teams were victorious in their last game. The Huskies won a close one over the Eastern Michigan Eagles 71-68, while the Zips beat the Ball State Cardinals 75-60.
Akron played a nearly flawless game. They had a superb free throw rate of 0.281 (above their season average of 0.272) and an offensive rebounding percentage of 39.4 (above their season average of 28.8). Ball State was 0.123 and 24.3, respectively, for those same stats. The Huskies, meanwhile, knocked down 18 of their 25 free throws (72.0 percent) and held the Eagles to an offensive rebounding percentage of 19.5 (below their season average of 30.9). Eugene German fueled Northern Illinois with 17 points and seven rebounds. Akron, meanwhile, was led by Xeyrius Williams, who finished with 23 points and 12 rebounds.
This series was highly contested last year. Each won one of the two games played against each other last season. The Zips won the most recent game 67-65. Akron had a much better turnover percentage (17.1 vs. 22.4). Northern Illinois, meanwhile, did a fantastic job of converting from the free throw line (15-20; 75.0 percent). This is the first time these teams will clash this year.
The offense of Northern Illinois (207th in the NCAA with an offensive efficiency of 101.0) will go head-to-head against the stingy defense of Akron (26th in the NCAA with a defensive efficiency of 88.9). The Zips should have the edge on that end of the court.
Akron Zips at Northern Illinois Huskies Pick
Basketball Tip: SU Winner – Northern Illinois, ATS Winner – Northern Illinois, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Akron ranks 35th in three pointers allowed per game (18.3) while Northern Illinois ranks 226th (24.6).
- The Huskies rank 46th in steals allowed per game (5.7) while the Zips rank 133rd (7.1).
- Akron ranks 44th in blocks allowed per game (2.8) while Northern Illinois ranks 81st (3.3).
- The Zips rank 92nd in assists per game (14.3) while the Huskies rank 228th (10.9).
- Northern Illinois ranks 35th in rebounds per game (39.8) while Akron ranks 158th in rebounds allowed per game (35.8).
Bettings Trends:
- The Huskies’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 3.4, down from 4.3 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Zips have scored an average of 76.0 points per game (0.2 below their season average) and allowed an average of 66.6 points per game (3.3 above their season average).