The Akron Zips (17-15, 9-10 MAC) go head-to-head against the 18th-ranked Buffalo Bulls (28-3, 16-2 MAC) in the Mid-American Conference Tourney at Quicken Loans Arena. Action starts at 12 p.m. ET on Thursday, March 14, 2019.
Akron Zips vs. Buffalo Bulls ATS Odds
In the Zips’ last contest, they had no trouble getting past the Miami (OH) RedHawks, 80-51, comfortably covering as 5-point favorites. The Bulls, on the other hand, topped the Bowling Green Falcons in their last game,84-73, but failed to cover as 14-point favorites. The Akron game went 1.5 points over the projected point total of 129.5, while the Buffalo game went 7 points under the projected point total of 164.
Akron’s effective field goal percentage was their largest strength over Miami (OH). The Zips had a rate of 0.696 (above their season average of 0.486), while the RedHawks posted a mark of 0.295 (below their season average of 0.500). The Bulls, on the other hand, had a superb turnover percentage of 8.9 (better than their season average of 13.9) and held the Falcons to an offensive rebounding percentage of 24.2 (below their season average of 31.7). Buffalo was lifted by Nick Perkins, who put up 22 points and six rebounds. Loren Cristian Jackson led the way for Akron, putting up 25 points and six assists.
Zips games have a tendency to finish under the total (70.0 percent). Akron holds records of 17-15 straight up (SU) and 16-14 against the spread (ATS).
Coinciding with Akron, games involving the Bulls have finished under the projected point total 51.7 percent of the time. Further, Buffalo owns records of 28-3 SU and 16-12-1 ATS.
The game should be a battle of strength against strength as the high-octane offense of Buffalo takes on the elite defense of Akron. The Bulls rank 15th in offensive efficiency, while the Zips are 12th in defensive efficiency.
Akron Zips vs. Buffalo Bulls Free Pick
Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – Buffalo, ATS Winner – Akron, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Buffalo ranks 10th in rebounds per game (40.7) while Akron ranks 268th in rebounds allowed per game (38.6).
- The Zips rank 42nd in blocks allowed per game (2.6) while the Bulls rank 95th (3.1).
- Buffalo ranks 38th in steals allowed per game (5.3) while Akron ranks 67th (5.7).
- The Bulls rank 11th in assists per game (17.2) while the Zips rank 196th (12.3).
- Buffalo ranks 14th in three pointers attempted per game (28.3) while Akron ranks 147th in three pointers allowed per game (22.1).
Bettings Trends:
- The Zips are 3-2 ATS over their last five games, while the Bulls are 1-4.
- In their last five games, Akron has 3 unders and 2 overs, while Buffalo has 4 unders and 1 over.
- During their last five games, the Zips have scored an average of 69.8 points per game (0.3 above their season average) and allowed an average of 67.2 points per game (3.9 above their season average).
- The Bulls’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 11.6, down from 14.1 for the season.
