Akron Zips vs Northern Kentucky Norse Matchup

Read on to get betting odds and analysis in our Northern Kentucky vs Akron NCAA Basketball prediction and preview and see who we think will win and cover the spread in Akron.

Northern Kentucky vs Akron Prediction

Planning on watching today's Norse and Zips game? Catch the action at James A. Rhodes Arena in Akron, OH, as the Zips hosts this showdown at 7:00 ET on ESPN+. The over/under line for this matchup is currently at 143.5 points, and Akron is favored by -6 at home against Northern Kentucky.

Northern Kentucky vs. Akron Matchup At A Glance

  • Sport: NCAAB
  • Teams: Northern Kentucky Norse at Akron Zips
  • Where: Akron at James A. Rhodes Arena
  • Date: Tuesday, December 3rd
  • Betting Odds AKRON -6, NKENT +217 | AKRON -291 O/U 143.5

Norse Preview: Are the Norse Ready for a Win at Akron?

Northern Kentucky Norse Recent Game/Games

The Norse improved to 3-2 this season with an 86-70 win over Bellarmine on Saturday. Playing at home, Northern Kentucky entered the game as -10.5 favorites and covered the spread.

After leading 34-31 at halftime, the Norse pulled away by scoring 52 points in the 2nd half while allowing 39. The total points for the game reached 156, surpassing the O/U line of 136.

Norse Offense Breakdown

Northern Kentucky put up 86 points in their last game, shooting 51.6% from the field with an effective field goal percentage of 58.1%. They were dominant inside, hitting 67.6% of their two-point attempts, but struggled from deep, connecting on just 28% of their threes (7/25).

Trey Robinson led the way with 24 points, shooting 9/12 from the field. Randall Pettus II added 20 points, hitting 3 of 5 from beyond the arc, while Sam Vinson and Tyler Doyle both contributed 15 points, with Doyle shooting 75% overall.

Norse Team Defense

Despite Northern Kentucky's defensive struggles, allowing 70 points on 51% shooting, they managed to limit their opponent's three-point effectiveness, holding them to 28% from beyond the arc with just 7 made threes.

The Norse sent their opponent to the free-throw line 21 times, where they converted 15 attempts, shooting 71% from the stripe. Northern Kentucky also gave up 10 offensive rebounds in the game.

Zips Preview: Is A Home Victory Likely for the Favored Zips?

Akron Zips Recent Game/Games

The Zips improved to 3-2 on the season with a 97-78 win over Alabama State on Sunday. Playing at home, Akron entered the game as -8.5 point favorites and covered the spread. The total points for the game ended up at 175, surpassing the O/U line of 149.

Akron took control early, leading 50-41 at halftime. They kept up the pressure in the 2nd half, scoring 47 points while holding Alabama State to 37.

Zips Offense Breakdown

Akron's offense was firing on all cylinders in their last game, putting up 97 points with a 46.4% field goal percentage. They connected on 15 of 35 three-point attempts, shooting 42.9% from deep, and finished with an effective field goal percentage of 58%.

The Zips also hit 78.3% of their free throws and grabbed 18 offensive rebounds, dishing out 21 assists. Nate Johnson led the way with 25 points, while Bowen Hardman and Tyler Mack each knocked down 6 threes, shooting 85.7% and 66.7% from beyond the arc, respectively.

Zips Team Defense

Akron's defense struggled in their last game, giving up 78 points while allowing the opposing team to shoot 46% from the field. They allowed 17 two-point baskets on 34 attempts, a 50% shooting rate.

From beyond the arc, the opposition hit 15 threes on 35 attempts, good for 42%. Akron also sent them to the line 23 times, where they converted 18 free throws, a 78% clip. The Zips gave up 18 offensive rebounds as well.

Norse vs Zips Betting Odds, Trends & Analysis

  • In their last three games away from home, the Norse have a straight up record of 0-3 while going 0-3 vs the spread. The team's offense averaged 58 points per game in these contests.
  • Across the Zips last ten home games, the team averaged 69 points per game while allowing 73. Their record vs the spread in these contests was 2-8, while going 2-8 straight-up.
  • Going back to their last three games as the underdog, the Norse have a straight up record of 0-3. But, their mark vs the spread was just 0-3.
  • Across their last five matchups as the betting favorite, the Zips have an overall record of 5-0 while going 2-3 against the spread.

Northern Kentucky vs Akron Prediction & Free Pick

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