| MATCHUP | Akron Zips | Ball State Cardinals |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 21-5 | 8-18 |
| Spread | -14.5 -115 | +14.5 -105 |
| Moneyline | -1600 | +900 |
| Total | Over 145.5 (-115) | Under 145.5 (-105) |
| Where | Worthen Arena, Muncie, IN | |
| When | Friday, February 20, 2026 | |
| Time | 06:30 PM EST | |
| TV | CBSSN | |
In this article we will formulate an Akron vs Ball State prediction for this College Basketball game on Friday, February 20th at Worthen Arena in Muncie, Indiana. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this College Basketball matchup.
Akron Zips Betting Preview
The Akron Zips are 21-5 (12-1) this season after they defeated Western Michigan by a score of 90-73 in their last game. Akron led 53-34 at halftime, but they were outscored 39-37 in the second half in the win. The Zips shot 50% from the field, 43% on three pointers, and 75% on free throws in the game. Tavari Johnson led Akron with 17 points and six assists, while Evan Mahaffey added 14 points and five rebounds in the win.
Prior to that game, Akron defeated UMass by a score of 99-92, but lost to Troy by a score of 79-69 before that. The Zips have scored 89.9 points per game with 37.9 rebounds and 19.1 assists per game, while they have allowed 74.8 points against per game this season. Tavari Johnson is averaging 20.3 points and 5.2 assists per game, while Amani Lyles is averaging 14.6 points and 7.3 rebounds per game for the Zips. Akron is shooting 50.4% from the field, 77.3% on free throws, and 37.4% on three pointers this season.
Ball State Cardinals Betting Preview
The Ball State Cardinals are 8-18 (3-10) this year after they lost to Ohio by a score of 69-57 in their last game. Ball State trailed 32-15 at halftime, but they did score 42 points in the second half in the loss. The Cardinals shot 41% from the field, 28% on three pointers, and 57% on free throws in the game. Devon Barnes led Ball State with 17 points and two assists, while Davion Hill added 16 points and five rebounds in the loss.
Prior to that game, Ball State lost to Kent State by a score of 75-68 and Buffalo by a score of 63-53. The Cardinals have scored 66.0 points per game with 31.7 rebounds and 12.0 assists per game, while they have allowed 70.0 points against per game this season. Davion Hill is averaging 12.7 points and 4.2 rebounds per game, while Armoni Zeigler is averaging 12.1 points and 5.0 rebounds per game for the Cardinals. Ball State is shooting 41.2% from the field, 69.4% on free throws, and 30.4% on three pointers this year.
Why the Akron Zips will win
- Akron has won each of its last 16 night games against the Mid-American Conference.
- Ball State has lost each of its last five games against the Mid-American Conference.
- Ball State has lost the first half in each of its last five games against the Mid-American Conference.
Total Points Facts
- Each of Ball State’s last eight games against non-AP-ranked opponents have produced a total of 143 or fewer points.
- Twenty-nine of Akron’s last 33 games against non-AP-ranked opponents have produced a total of 148+ points.
Akron vs Ball State Prediction
Ball State comes into this matchup with a 3-10 record in conference play and they have dropped three in a row, but they will be at home. The Cardinals are shooting 41% from the field and they have scored fewer than 69 points in four of their last five. Akron is 12-1 in conference play, but they did lose at Troy three games ago. The Zips are shooting 50% from the field and they have scored 90+ points in back to back games. Take Akron to cover this big number on the road.