Ohio Bobcats at Akron Zips ATS Prediction 03/02/19

Posts AdminArticles, Basketball, College Basketball

The Ohio Bobcats (12-15, 4-11 MAC) and the Akron Zips (15-13, 7-8 MAC) square off at James A. Rhodes Arena. The Bobcats can snap a six-game road losing streak. Action starts at 2 p.m. ET on Saturday, March 2, 2019.

Ohio Bobcats vs. Akron Zips Betting Odds

Both teams were beaten in their last matchup. The Zips fell to the 21st-ranked Buffalo Bulls, 77-64, while the Bobcats were defeated by the Kent State Golden Flashes, 78-73.

Ohio had a free throw rate of 0.216 (above their season average of 0.198) while Akron had a better effective field goal percentage (0.466 vs. 0.492). Tyler Cheese had a good outing for Akron, putting up 20 points, six assists and five rebounds. Ohio, meanwhile, rallied around Jason Preston, who had 11 points, eight rebounds and eight assists.

In their first matchup this season, Jimond Ivey led the Zips to a 65-53 victory. He was the game’s leading scorer with 21 points. The Zips’ offensive rebounding percentage was their largest strength over the Bobcats. Akron had a rate of 45.7, while Ohio posted a mark of 34.2.

When looking at effective field goal percentage, Akron figures to have a substantial advantage. The Zips defense ranks 17th in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.457), while the Ohio offense is ranked 272nd in effective field goal percentage (0.490). Moreover, the Bobcats rank 289th in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.199), while the Zips rank 42nd in opponents’ FTA rate (0.191).

Ohio vs. Akron Pick

Prediction: SU Winner – Akron, ATS Winner – Ohio, O/U – Over

Betting Notes:

  • Akron ranks 14th in three pointers attempted per game (28.3) while Ohio ranks 228th (20.5).
  • The Zips rank 13th in assists allowed per game (10.4) while the Bobcats rank 172nd (13.8).
  • Ohio is 38th in the nation with 2.6 blocks allowed per game while Akron is 50th with 2.7 blocks allowed per game.
  • The Bobcats rank 73rd in rebounds per game (37.3) while the Zips rank 273rd in rebounds allowed per game (38.7).
  • Akron ranks 39th in steals allowed per game (5.3) while Ohio ranks 216th (8.0).

Bettings Trends:

  • During their last five games, the Bobcats have scored an average of 73.8 points per game (3.6 above their season average) and allowed an average of 86.4 points per game (11.6 above their season average).
  • The Zips have been outscored by an average of 2.4 points in their last five games. On the season, Akron has defeated opponents by an average of 6.2 points.