Akron Zips vs Ohio Bobcats 2/10/2023 Expert Picks, Odds and Predictions
The MAC showdown between the Akron Zips and the Ohio Bobcats will take place at Convocation Center in MI on Friday, February 10, 2023, with tip-off scheduled for 7:30 PM ET. The Zips’ eight-game unbeaten streak came to a halt on Tuesday with a 10-point loss to Toledo. The defeat leaves Akron tied for first place in the MAC with Toledo and Kent State, despite a strong showing from leading scorer Xavier Castaneda, who contributed 23 points in the loss. Despite the setback, Bracketology still predicts that Akron will claim the MAC title and secure a 14-seed in the NCAA tournament. According to KenPom, Akron is ranked 107th among MAC teams, lagging behind Kent State and Toledo.
The team boasts a slow pace, ranking 315th in the nation for adjusted tempo, and scores an average of 72.0 points per game, ranking ninth in the MAC. While the team’s 43.1% shooting percentage leaves room for improvement, ranking 11th in the conference, they fare much better from beyond the arc, shooting 35.0% from three-point range, good for fifth in the MAC. On defense, the Zips boast the lowest-scoring defense in the MAC, allowing only 63.6 points per game, and ranking 35th in the country. They hold opponents to 42.0% shooting and 33.3% three-point shooting, ranking second and third in the conference, respectively. Additionally, the Zips’ opponents only attempt an average of 14.6 free throws per game, the lowest rate in the MAC and the 40th-best mark nationwide.
- Akron is 8-1 SU in their last 9 matches.
- The Akron Zips are 5-2 SU in their last 7 games with Ohio.
- The Zips are 4-1 SU in their last 5 matches on the road.
Akron Zips vs Ohio Bobcats 2/10/2023 Expert Picks, Odds and Predictions
The Ohio Bobcats extended their winning streak to three games with a decisive victory over Northern Illinois on Tuesday. The Bobcats dominated the game from start to finish, holding a seven-point lead at the half and never looking back. Jaylin Hunter played a key role in the win, leading the team with 19 points and five assists. According to KenPom, Ohio is ranked 154th in the nation, boasting a fast-paced modified tempo that ranks 134th in the country, though still not as fast as some of its competitors. The Bobcats boast a formidable 10-1 home record this season.
At home, the Bobcats average 82.5 points per game, a significant increase from their overall scoring average of 78.1 points per game. As a team, Ohio shoots 46.1%, ranking fourth in the MAC. They also excel from beyond the arc, shooting 36.3% from three-point range, good for third in the conference and 64th in the nation. The Bobcats are dominant on the offensive glass, grabbing an average of 12.0 rebounds per game, ranking third in the conference. On defense, Ohio ranks fifth in the MAC in scoring defense, allowing 73.6 points per game. They struggle to defend the perimeter, with opponents shooting 44.1% against them, also ranking fifth in the MAC. Opponents also connect on 35.7% of their three-point attempts against Ohio, placing the Bobcats eighth in the conference in this category. In terms of forcing turnovers, Ohio ranks near the bottom of the MAC, averaging just 11.9 per game.
- The total went OVER in 6 of the Bobcats’ last 7 contests.
- The Ohio Bobcats are 4-2 SU in their last 6 matches.
- The total went OVER in 4 of Ohio’s last 5 games with Akron.
Akron Zips vs Ohio Bobcats. The NCAAB pick for this game is the Akron Zips. The Akron Zips defeated the Ohio Bobcats earlier in the season in a game that saw Akron produce one of its weakest defensive performances of the year, yet still emerge victorious by a six-point margin. The Zips dominated the boards, outrebounding Ohio 33-23, and made twice as many free throws as the Bobcats. Akron established a commanding 19-point lead at one point and held on for the majority of the game. The Bobcats’ lackluster three-point defense was also exploited by Akron’s hot three-point shooting, as the Zips made 56.3% of their attempts from beyond the arc. While Ohio has been impressive at home, they are expected to fall to Akron in this matchup. Given the small spread, the Akron Zips are predicted to cover and win with a score of 73-70.
NCAAB Starting Time: 7:30 PM (EDT)
Location: Convocation Center, MI
Date: Friday, February 10, 2023
TV: CBSS
NCAAB Odds: Akron Zips -1.5
NCAAB Totals: 142
