Akron Zips vs Central Michigan Chippewas Matchup

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

Central Michigan vs Akron Prediction

Looking to win big? The Chippewas and Zips face off at 7:00 ET on ESPN+. The Zips are hosting the game at James A. Rhodes Arena in Akron, OH. This Mid-American conference matchup has an over/under of 146.5 points, and Akron is favored to win by -8.5 at home vs. Central Michigan.

Central Michigan vs. Akron Matchup At A Glance

Sport: NCAAB
Teams: Central Michigan Chippewas at Akron Zips
Where: Akron at James A. Rhodes Arena
Date: Tuesday, January 7th
Betting Odds AKRON -8.5, CMICH +282 | AKRON -360 O/U 146.5

Chippewas Preview: Can the Chippewas Lock in a Road Win?

Central Michigan Chippewas Recent Game/Games

Central Michigan dropped to 2-7 on the season after a narrow 57-55 home loss to Ohio on Saturday. The Chippewas entered the game as +4.5 point underdogs but managed to cover the spread.

After trailing 35-28 at halftime, Central Michigan held Ohio to just 22 points in the 2nd half while scoring 27 of their own. The combined points of 112 were well below the O/U line of 148.5.

Chippewas Offense Breakdown

Central Michigan struggled offensively in their last game, shooting just 32.8% from the field and 13.3% from beyond the arc, hitting only 2 of 15 three-point attempts. Their effective field goal percentage was 34.4%, but they did manage to connect on 81.2% of their free throws, going 13 for 16 from the line.

Jakobi Heady led the team with 15 points and 8 rebounds, despite shooting 5 of 17 overall and 1 of 4 from three. AJ Brown added 14 points, hitting 4 of 7 from deep, while Anthony Pritchard contributed 13 points on 6 of 13 shooting. Jackson Paveletzke also scored 11 points, shooting 62.5% from the field and adding 5 assists.

Chippewas Team Defense

Central Michigan's defense was on point, holding their opponent to just 57 points on 32% shooting from the field. They limited two-point opportunities, with the other team making only 18 of 46 attempts, a 39% success rate.

From beyond the arc, Central Michigan's defense was even tougher, allowing just 2 made threes on 15 attempts, for a 13% shooting percentage. The opponent did manage to hit 13 of 16 free throws, an 81% rate, and grabbed 15 offensive rebounds.

Zips Preview: Will Akron Secure A Victory as Home Favorites?

Akron improved to 6-5 on the season after a 71-68 win over Bowling Green on Friday. The Zips, who were -5.5 favorites, didn’t cover the spread. The total points for the game were 139, falling short of the 157.5 O/U line.

Akron trailed 32-30 at halftime but turned things around in the 2nd half, scoring 41 points while holding the Falcons to 36.

Zips Offense Breakdown

Akron's offense managed 71 points in their latest game, shooting 38.8% from the field. They connected on 12 of 42 three-point attempts, hitting just 28.6%, while their two-point shooting was much more efficient at 56%.

Trey Thomas led the way with 19 points, hitting 4 of 7 from beyond the arc and shooting 63.6% overall. Sharron Young added 17 points in just 18 minutes, shooting 60% from the field and 50% from three.

Zips Team Defense

Akron's defense held strong, giving up 68 points while limiting their opponent to just 34% shooting from the field. They were particularly effective inside, where they allowed 15 two-point baskets on 41 attempts, a 36% shooting rate.

From beyond the arc, Akron's defense conceded 8 threes on 26 attempts, holding their opponent to 30% shooting. They also sent them to the free-throw line 21 times, where they made 14, shooting 66%.

Chippewas vs Zips Betting Odds, Trends & Analysis

In their last three games away from home, the Chippewas have a straight up record of 0-3 while going 0-3 vs the spread. The team's offense averaged 59 points per game in these contests.
Although Akron has a straight up record of 2-8 in their last ten home games, they have not held up as well vs the spread going 3-7. The team averaged 70 points per game in these games.
The last ten games that Central Michigan was the underdog, they have an ATS mark of 6-4 while going 2-8 straight up.
The last ten games that Akron was favored, they have an ATS mark of 5-5 while going 9-1 straight up.