Buffalo Bulls vs Akron Zips 3/9/2023 Picks, Game Analysis and Odds
The Akron Zips (21-10 SU) are set to take on the Buffalo Bulls (15-16 SU) in the opening round of the MAC tournament on Thursday at the Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse in Cleveland, Ohio. Despite a challenging season, Buffalo has displayed a recent surge in form, winning three out of their last four games. While their regular season record stands at 15-16, the Bulls were a force to be reckoned with at home, earning an impressive 11-4 record but struggling on the road with just three wins in twelve games.
One of the glaring weaknesses for Buffalo this season has been their inconsistent defense, allowing opponents to shoot at a rate of 43.9% from the field. Despite this, the Bulls have a strong offensive presence, with Curtis Jones leading the team in scoring with an average of 16.1 points per game. LaQuill Hardnett has been a force on the boards, pulling down an average of 7.6 rebounds per game, while Armoni Foster has been the team’s leading playmaker, averaging 3.9 assists per game. It remains to be seen if Buffalo can maintain their recent success and overcome Akron in the tournament’s opening round.
- The Buffalo Bulls are 0-5-1 ATS in their last 6 games played in March.
- The total stayed UNDER in 5 of Buffalo’s last 5 games played on a Thursday.
- The total went OVER in 8 of Buffalo’s last 10 road games played on a Thursday.
Buffalo Bulls vs Akron Zips 3/9/2023 Picks, Game Analysis and Odds
As the MAC tournament approaches, questions arise over Akron’s consistency towards the end of their impressive season. The Zips boast a record of 21-10, with a 13-5 MAC record. However, Akron has only managed a record of 4-4 in their last eight games. The team’s performance at home was critical this season, with an impressive 15-1 record, but they struggled on the road with a 5-6 record.
Akron’s success this season has been built on their unyielding defense, which limited opponents to a mere 43.9% shooting from the field. The team’s offensive prowess has been spearheaded by Xavier Castanada, leading the team in scoring and assists with 21.5 points per game and 2.9 assists per game, respectively. Enrique Freeman has been a dominant force on the boards, averaging 11.1 rebounds per game. Akron will look to rely on their defense and the dynamic performances of Castanada and Freeman to carry them to victory in the upcoming MAC tournament
- The Akron Zips are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games played in March.
- The Zips are 15-5 SU in their last 20 games played on a Thursday.
- Akron is 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games played on a Thursday when playing at home.
Buffalo Bulls vs Akron Zips. The NCAAB pick for this game is the Akron Zips. Akron has undoubtedly been an impressive team this season, finishing with a 21-10 overall record and a 13-5 record in the MAC, although their form dropped off towards the end of the regular season, with just a 4-4 record in their last eight games. While Buffalo improved their record to 15-16 with a 3-1 record in their final four games, they have struggled on the road all year, winning just three out of twelve games. The Zips have already convincingly beaten the Bulls earlier in the season, with a commanding 86-66 victory. Considering Buffalo’s struggles away from home, it seems unlikely they will be able to turn the tables on Akron. A predicted scoreline of 77-70 in favor of Akron seems probable.
NCAAB Starting Time: 6:30 PM (EDT)
Location: Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse in Cleveland, Ohio
Date: Thursday, March 9, 2023
TV: ESPN+
NCAAB Odds: Akron Zips -7
NCAAB Totals: 147.5
