Akron vs Kent State Preview, Odds, Predictions (Feb. 27)
- The Zips have won 13 of their last 14 games.
- The Golden Flashes are rolling with four consecutive wins in league play.
- This marks the 169th all-time matchup between the two MAC squads.
The MAC will highlight the late hours of the Feb. 27 schedule as the Akron Zips go on the road to face the Kent State Golden Flashes on Friday evening. The former stands tall as the slight favorite, having motivation to win as they are competing for the regular-season title.
How to Watch
- When: Friday, Feb. 27, 8 pm ET
- Where: M.A.C Center, Kent, Ohio
- How to Watch: ESPNU
NCAA Matchup Odds & Lines
| Team | Odds | Spread | Totals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Akron | -110 | -3.5 | O166 |
| Kent State | -110 | +3.5 | U166 |
Game Preview
The Zips (23-5, 14-1 MAC) have enjoyed an incredible campaign so far, competing with Miami (OH) for the regular-season title. They have won 13 of their last 14 games, including wins over Ball State and Buffalo. Akron ranks in the top five in the MAC in scoring offense (2nd – 89.8), scoring defense (5th – 74.9), scoring margin (2nd – +14.9), field-goal pct (2nd – .504), opposing field-goal pct (1st – .423), 3-point percentage (3rd – .373), 3s made per game (1st – 10.8). Tavari Johnson leads the Zips in points (20.3) and assists (5.2). Amani Lyles leads the squad in rebounds (7.3) while Evan Mahaffey leads the way in steals (1.8) and total blocks (19).
The Golden Flashes (21-7, 12-3 MAC) have enjoyed strong performances throughout conference play, being in the top three so far. They have won their last four games over the likes of Eastern Michigan, Ball State, Bowling Green, and Central Michigan. Kent State ranks rank 52nd in the NCAA in assists per game (16.3), 85th in fastbreak points (12.61), 6th in ft attempts (26.8), 7th in free throws made per game (19.9), 30th in rebound margin (+6.3). Meanwhile, Cian Medley ranks 20th in the NCAA in total assists (179) and 14th in assists per game (6.6). Delrecco Gillespie ranks 82nd in total blocks (41), 86th in blocks per game (1.46), 1st in double-doubles (21).
Akron vs Kent State Head-to-Head
The two programs have had 168 meetings in their history, and the result is 86-82 for the Zips. The last matchup was in January this year when Akron won 69-52 at home.
Akron vs Kent State Predictions
Akron needs to keep winning to remain in the race for the regular-season title against Miami (OH). Meanwhile, Kent State needs to win out while seeing the Redhawks and the Zips lose out to have a share of the title. With three games remaining in league play, both squads will attempt to play at their best to stay alive in the race. Our betting pick here is the Zips to defend a 3.5-point spread.
- Free NCAAB pick:Â Akron Zips -3.5
