Akron (11-5) vs Ohio (10-6)
Game Info: Friday, January 17, 2025 at 6:00 pm (James A. Rhodes Arena)
The Line: Betting Odds: Akron -2.5 — Over/Under: 157.5
In this article we will formulate an Ohio vs Akron prediction for this College Basketball game on Friday, January 17th at James A. Rhodes Arena in Akron, Ohio. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this College Basketball matchup.
Ohio Bobcats Betting Preview
The Ohio Bobcats are 10-6 (4-0) this season after they defeated Ball State by a score of 86-71 in their last game. Ohio led 45-35 at halftime and they added 41 points in the second half in the win. The Bobcats shot 54.8% from the field, 36.4% on three-pointers, and 62.5% on free throws in the game. Jackson Paveletzke led Ohio with 15 points and six assists, while Aidan Hadaway added 15 points and five rebounds in the win.
Prior to that victory, the Bobcats defeated NIU by a score of 108-70 and Buffalo by a score of 88-79. Ohio has won six games in a row and they are one of just three undefeated teams in MAC play. Ohio has scored 81.1 points per game and they have allowed 73.8 points per game, while also averaging 34.7 rebounds and 15.9 assists per game this season. AJ Clayton is averaging 16.8 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game, while Jackson Paveletzke is averaging 12.1 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 5.7 assists per game this year. Ohio is shooting 48.2% from the field, 73.5% on free throws, and 36.8% on three-pointers this season.
Akron Zips Betting Preview
The Akron Zips are 11-5 (4-0) this year after they defeated Toledo by a score of 85-78 in their last game. Akron trailed 42-30 at halftime, but they outscored Toledo 55-36 in the second half for the win. The Zips shot 46.7% from the field, 31% on three-pointers, and 66.7% on free throws in the game. Nate Johnson led Akron with 28 points and nine rebounds, while Amani Lyles added 16 points and five rebounds in the win.
Prior to that game, the Zips defeated Eastern Michigan by a score of 105-81 and Central Michigan by a score of 87-71. Akron has won four games in a row and they are also one of three teams undefeated in conference play. Akron has scored 82.3 points per game and they have allowed 73.6 points per game, while also averaging 40.6 rebounds and 17.9 assists per game this season. Nate Johnson is averaging 12.7 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game, while Tavari Johnson is averaging 11.8 points, 1.6 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game this year. Akron is shooting 44.2% from the field, 75.2% on free throws, and 35.1% on three-pointers this season.
Why Akron will beat Ohio
- Akron has won 24 of its last 25 games at James A. Rhodes Arena against non-AP-ranked opponents.
- Ohio has lost six of its last seven night games at James A. Rhodes Arena against non-AP-ranked opponents.
- Ohio has lost the first half in three of its last four games at James A. Rhodes Arena.
Total Points Facts
- Nine of Ohio’s last 10 night games against the Mid-American Conference have produced a total of 157 or fewer points.
- Nineteen of Akron’s last 22 night games against Conference opponents have produced a total of 156 or fewer points.
Ohio vs Akron Prediction
Both of these teams come into this matchup undefeated in conference play, so this is a huge game at the top of the MAC standings. Ohio is shooting 48.2% from the field and they have scored at least 86 points in four of their last five games. The Bobcats are allowing 73.8 points per game, but that isn’t a problem when the offense is working like it is right now. Akron is only shooting 44.2% from the field, but they have scored 85+ points in three straight games. The Zips are very similar defensively to Ohio, but they have allowed 71 points or fewer in two of their last four games. This should be a great battle between two very good teams in the MAC, but I have to side with Akron at home, especially with their rebounding advantage.