Akron vs Bowling Green Prediction 1/9/2026 Today’s College Basketball Picks

The Bowling Green Falcons and the Akron Zips will meet on Friday night in a Mid‑American Conference matchup at the Stroh Center in Bowling Green, Ohio.

Bowling Green Falcons Betting Preview

The Bowling Green Falcons enter Friday night’s contest with an 11-5 win-loss record, including a 2-2 conference record and a 6-3 mark at home. The Falcons have compiled wins over Ohio, Chicago State, Kansas State and the Texas State Bobcats, while losing games to Davidson and Kent State. More recently, in the Bowling Green Falcons thrilling 101-100 win over Massachusetts five days ago, Bowling Green forward Leonardo Bettiol tallied 32 points (11 of 13 shooting from the field), 14 rebounds and 2 assists illustrating his ability to lead the Falcons frontcourt.  

The Bowling Green Falcons are averaging 81 points on 46.7 percent shooting from the field and 34.3 percent shooting from three-point range per game. Defensively, the Falcons are allowing opponents 72.7 points per contest.

Senior guard Javontae Campbell leads the Bowling Green Falcons backcourt averaging 18.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, 4.7 assists and 3.3 steals per game. Senior forward Sam Towns is averaging 13.3 points, 6.6 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 1.2 steals per contest. Sophomore guard Josiah Shackelford is averaging 11.6 points, 2.9 rebounds and 1 steal a game providing the Falcons with further backcourt stability.

Akron Zips Betting Preview

The Akron Zips enter Friday evening ’s contest with an 11–4 overall record, including a 2–1 mark in conference play and a 1-2 record on the road. The Zips have compiled wins over Eastern Michigan, Tulane, Milwaukee and Iona, while dropping games to Murray State, Yale and the Purdue Boilermakers. Earlier this season, in the Akron Zips 93-72 victory over Eastern Michigan, Akron guard Tavari Johnson amassed 25 points on 11 of 14 shooting from the field illustrating his ability to lead the Zips from an offensive perspective.

The Akron Zips average 91.8 points (7th in nation) on 52.2 percent shooting from the field (6th in the country) and 39.1% from three‑point range per game. On the defensive side of the basketball, the Zips are allowing opponents 79.2 points per contest.

Senior guard Tavari Johnson has been a standout performer for the Akron Zips in 2025, averaging 20.7 points, 2.2 rebounds, 5.3 assists and 1.5 steals per game. Senior forward Amani Lyles is averaging 15.1 points, 6.6 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.2 steals per contest providing the Zips a presence in the paint. Senior guard Shammah Scott adds 13 points, 2.9 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 0.5 steals per game.

Why the Bowling Green Falcons Will Win

• Home court edge. In nine games played at home this season, the Falcons have posted a 6-3 home record.

• Backcourt play. Senior guard Javontae Campbell leads the Bowling Green Falcons backcourt averaging 18.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, 4.7 assists and 3.3 steals per game.

• Defensive advantage. the Falcons are allowing opponents 72.7 points per contest. Conversely, the Akron Zips are allowing 79.2 points per contest.

Why the Akron Zips Will Win

• Offensive efficiency. The Akron Zips average 91.8 points (7th in nation) on 52.2 percent shooting from the field (6th in the country) and 39.1% from three‑point range per game.

• Balanced scoring. Five players are averaging over 10 points per game.

Bowling Green Falcons vs. Akron Zips Prediction

The Bowling Green Falcons will have the home court edge in this contest, but the Akron Zips outstanding perimeter offense and defensive edge makes the Zips the more reliable side in this matchup. For the reasons just noted, I am backing the Akron Zips to cover the 3.5 points in tomorrow’s matchup with Bowling Green.

Hans Geevers's Pick: Akron Zips -3.5