| MATCHUP | Massachusetts Minutemen | Akron Zips |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 15-10 | 19-5 |
| Where | James A. Rhodes Arena, Akron, OH | |
| When | Friday, February 13, 2026 | |
| Time | 09:00 PM EST | |
| TV | CBSSN | |
The Massachusetts Minutemen and the Akron Zips will meet on Friday night in a Mid‑American Conference matchup at James A. Rhodes Arena in Akron, Ohio.
Massachusetts Minutemen Betting Preview
The Massachusetts Minutemen enter Friday’s contest with a 15–10 win-loss record, including a 6–6 mark in conference play and a 2-5 record on the road. The Minutemen have amassed wins over Oregon State, Harvard, UMass Lowell, Boston College and the Central Connecticut Blue Devils, while losing games to Green Bay, Marshall and the Temple Owls. In the Massachusetts Minutemen’s 76–74 victory over the Boston College Eagles earlier this season, Massachusetts guard Marcus Banks Jr. scored 29 points on 10 of 17 shotting from the field and 6 of 10 from three-point range showcasing his ability to lead the Minutemen backcourt.
The Massachusetts Minutemen average 80.1 points on 46.4 percent shooting from the field and 35.9 percent shooting from three‑point range per game. Shifting our focus to the defensive side of the basketball, the Minutemen are allowing opponents 75.7 points per contest.
Senior guard Marcus Banks Jr. leads the Massachusetts Minutemen averaging 16.8 points, 2.5 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 1.3 steals per game. Senior Leonardo Bettiol provides the Minutemen with a strong presence in the paint averaging 17.6 points, 7.9 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 0.7 steals per game. Junior Jayden Ndjigue is averaging 6.7 points and 5.6 rebounds per contest.
Akron Zips Betting Preview
The Akron Zips enter Tuesday evening ’s contest with a 19–5 overall record, including a rather impressive 10–1 mark in conference play and an undefeated 12-0 record at home this season. 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 dominant 93-72 win 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 87.5 points (13th in nation) on 49.9 percent shooting from the field (17th in the country) and 38 percent shooting from three‑point range per game. Defensively, the Zips are allowing opponents 75.7 points per contest.
Senior guard Tavari Johnson has been a standout performer for the Akron Zips in 2025, averaging 20.4 points, 3 rebounds, 5.2 assists and 1.4 steals per game. Senior forward Amani Lyles is averaging 14.5 points, 7.4 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.2 steal per contest. Senior guard Shammah Scott adds 12.6 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.9 assists per game.
Why the Massachusetts Minuteman will win
• Balanced scoring. Guard Marcus Banks Jr. and forward Leonardo Bettiol lead a versatile offensive attack.
• Backcourt play. Senior guard Marcus Banks Jr. leads the Massachusetts Minutemen averaging 16.8 points, 2.5 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 1.3 steals per game.
• Momentum. The Massachusetts Minutemen have won four of the team’s last six games played this season.
Why the Akron Zips will win
• Elite Offense. The Akron Zips average 87.5 points (13th in nation) on 49.9 percent shooting from the field (17th in the country) per game.
• Balanced scoring. Three players are averaging over 12.5 points per game.
• Home court edge. The Akron Zip have compiled a perfect record (12-0) at home this season.
Massachusetts Minutemen vs. Akron Zips Prediction
This matchup features the Massachusetts Minutemen’s efficient offense and quality backcourt play against an Akron Zips team that has been unbeatable at home and has been one of the top offensive basketball teams in the nation this season. In my view, Akron’s home court edge, three‑point volume and overall team consistency make the Zips the more reliable side in this environment. For the reasons just noted, I am backing the Akron Zips to win this game.