Akron vs Western Michigan Prediction 2/17/2026 Today’s College Basketball Picks

The Akron Zips and the Western Michigan Broncos meet Tuesday in college basketball action from University Arena in Kalamazoo. Here’s an Akron vs Western Michigan prediction. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best Akron vs Western Michigan pick. We will examine the recent form and player performances for both teams, as well as the recent betting trends and streaks pertaining to this matchup. As we conclude, we will tie it all together with a summary that produces a sensible pick for a favorable betting outcome in this game.

Akron Zips Betting Preview

Akron made it through their first 14 games of the season on a pretty good clip, going 10-4 overall. The Zips would then beat Central Michigan, Bowling Green, Ball State, Western Michigan, Buffalo, Ohio, Toledo, Kent State and Eastern Michigan before a loss to Troy. After another win over UMass, the Zips are currently sitting at 20-5 overall through the first 25 outings.

In the UMass game on Friday, Akron entered the second half sporting a 44-43 advantage. The Zips got better from there on a 55-49 run and took the victory in the end 99-92. K’Jei Parker put up 20 points with four rebounds and two assists while Marcus Banks had 18 points with three rebounds and three assists. Leonardo Bettiol added 18 points with three boards as well.

Western Michigan Broncos Betting Preview

Over on the Western Michigan side, they limped to a rough 6-7 run over their first 13 games this season. The Broncos won just two of the next seven games, falling to Toledo, Miami-OH, UMass, Akron and Bowling Green in that time. Losses to Northern Illinois, Ohio, Texas State and Toledo came next, giving the Broncos an 8-16 record in the books over their first 24 games.

Matched up against Eastern Michigan on Saturday the Broncos were within five points at the break, trailing 33-28. Western Michigan woke up in the second half on a 48-29 run and took the comeback victory 76-62 on the road in the end. Brady Swartz was tops on 16 points with seven rebounds while EJ Ryans added 13 points with three assists and two rebounds in 26 minutes of action.

Akron Zips @ Western Michigan Broncos Betting Trends: February 17, 2026

Why the Western Michigan Broncos will win

• The home team has won each of the last five games between Akron and Western Michigan.

Why the Akron Zips will win

• Akron has won each of its last 15 night games against the Mid-American Conference.
• Western Michigan has lost eight of its last nine night games against the Mid-American Conference.
• Western Michigan has lost the first half in 10 of its last 11 games against non-AP-ranked opponents.

Akron vs Western Michigan Prediction

I’ll stay with Akron. The Zips gave up a ton of production (57.4 percent) from the field in their latest win over UMass, but did pretty well shooting (46.3 percent) themselves along with 88.4 percent (38-of-43) from the line. That gives Akron 10 wins in the last 11 games, and they’ve scored 69 or more points in 10 of those 11 as well.

These teams last saw each other on January 17. That one was a 104-89 home win for Akron. The Zips managed to shoot very well (56.7 percent) and had 57.1 percent (20-of-35) from 3-point range alongside a 29-23 rebounding advantage and just eight turnovers. The Zips did give up 55.7 percent shooting on defense, though. Akron should be in the driver’s seat here, even with the road environment in the rematch.

Andrew Jett's Pick: Akron Zips -14.5