Pick details
| MATCHUP | Buffalo Bulls | Akron Zips |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 17-15 | 27-5 |
| Where | Legacy Arena at BJCC, Birmingham, AL | |
| When | Thursday, March 12, 2026 | |
| Time | 04:00 PM EDT | |
| TV | ESPN+ | |
Buffalo Bulls Betting Preview
This year the Bulls opened things up with a 13-2 stretch over their first 15 games, then hit an ugly 1-8 skid that featured a lone win over Bowling Green on January 27. Buffalo is 3-4 since then with wins over Ball State, UMass and Eastern Michigan. The losses otherwise have come versus Northern Illinois, Akron, Central Michigan and Toledo for a 17-14 overall record.
In the Toledo matchup last Friday the Bulls came back out onto the floor for the second half with a 37-33 deficit. Buffalo was blasted in the remainder of the game with a 61-45 disadvantage and limped to the loss on the road 99-78 in the end. Ryan Sabol was tops on 26 points with five rebounds and Angelo Brizzi had 21 points with four rebounds in the loss.
Akron Zips Betting Preview
Over on the Akron side, they were 10-4 through their first 14 games then beat Central Michigan, Bowling Green, Ball State, Western Michigan, Buffalo, Ohio, Toledo, Kent State and Eastern Michgian before a loss to Troy. It’s been wins over UMass, Western Michigan, Ball State, Buffalo, Kent State, Central Michigan and Northern Illinois since then for a 26-5 run this year.
In the Northern Illinois matchup last week the Zips were sitting in the locker room at halftime with a comfortable lead 47-27. Akron came back out for the second half and hit a 47-28 run on the way to a 94-55 victory in the end. Leading the team in scoring was Bowen Hardman with 20 points and two assists. Amani Lyles added 17 points with five rebounds and two steals.
Buffalo Bulls @ Akron Zips Betting Trends: March 12, 2026
Why the Akron Zips will win
- Akron has won each of its last 16 games against the Mid-American Conference.
- Buffalo has lost each of its last five day games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
- Buffalo has lost the first half in six of its last seven games against non-AP-ranked opponents at a neutral venue.
Why the Buffalo Bulls will win
- Buffalo has won 13 of its last 17 games against Conference opponents at Rocket Arena.
- Akron has lost three of its last four day games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
Total Points Facts
- Each of Buffalo’s last 13 day games against non-AP-ranked opponents at a neutral venue have produced a total of 156 or fewer points.
- Twenty-two of Akron’s last 26 day games at a neutral venue have produced a total of 158 or fewer points.
Matchup/League Facts
- Akron is one of four teams to rank in the top-10 for both points and assists per game this season.
- Akron ranks 4th among Division 1 teams for offensive rating this season (125.9).
- Buffalo ranks 31st among Division 1 teams for effective field goal percentage this season (56.0%).
Buffalo vs Akron Prediction
I’ll stay with Akron. The Zips rolled right past a struggling NIU team in their latest outing, hitting 59.6 percent from the field and a whopping 66.7 percent (18-of-27) from outside. Akron added a 38-21 rebounding edge and 37.9 percent shooting allowed but did have 12 turnovers. The Zips have won 16 of their last 17 games now and they’re playing great.
The Zips won both meetings between these teams this year, 82-63 on the road January 20 and 99-85 at home on February 24. In that latest win Akron shot extremely well on 55.2 percent from the field and 89.7 percent (26-of-29) from the line. The only real complaint in the victory was the 16 turnovers for 27 Bulls points. If Akron can clean up their mistakes in the rematch they’ll be fine.
Andrew Jett's Pick: Akron Zips -12.5
