The 23rd-ranked Buffalo Bulls (20-3, 8-2 MAC) and their sensational offense visit Akron to take on the Zips (14-9, 6-4 MAC) and their exceptional defense. Action begins at 7 p.m. ET on Tuesday, February 12, 2019.
Buffalo Bulls at Akron Zips ATS Odds
Both teams were triumphant in their last game. The Zips won big over the Kent State Golden Flashes 72-53, while the Bulls beat the Central Michigan Chippewas 90-76.
The Bulls forced 23 turnovers and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.613 (above their season average of 0.536). Meanwhile, Akron’s 0.574 effective field goal percentage was their biggest advantage over Kent State, who had a mark of 0.361. The Zips’ mark was above their season average of 0.486, while the Golden Flashes’ was below their season average of 0.509. Tyler Cheese fueled Akron with 15 points and eight rebounds. Jeremy Harris, meanwhile had a solid performance for Buffalo, recording 19 points, eight rebounds and six assists.
The Bulls dominated this series last year, securing victories in both games. In the most recent matchup, Buffalo won 80-68. Buffalo’s free throw rate was their largest strength over Akron. The Bulls had a rate of 0.346, while the Zips posted a mark of 0.102. This will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams.
This matchup figures to be low-scoring as a pair of the nation’s top defenses clash. Akron ranks 15th in defensive efficiency (93.2) and Buffalo is 40th (95.7). Contrasting paces will be on display in this meeting. The fast-breaking Bulls rank 27th in possessions per game, while the more half-court oriented Zips rank 267th.
Buffalo Bulls at Akron Zips Free Pick
Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – Buffalo, ATS Winner – Buffalo, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Buffalo averages 40.3 rebounds per game, which ranks 17th in the country. Akron ranks 252nd in rebounds allowed per game (37.8).
- The Bulls rank 48th in blocks per game (4.2) while the Zips rank 137th (2.9).
- Akron ranks 24th in steals allowed per game (5.1) while Buffalo ranks 36th (5.3).
- The Bulls rank ninth in assists per game (17.4) while the Zips rank 202nd (12.1).
- Akron ranks 10th in three pointers attempted per game (28.6) while Buffalo ranks 162nd in three pointers allowed per game (22.8).
Bettings Trends:
- The Bulls’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 8.2, down from 13.9 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Zips have scored an average of 65.2 points per game (4.8 below their season average) and allowed an average of 60.2 points per game (1.8 below their season average).
