In this article we will formulate an Akron vs Bowling Green prediction for this College Basketball game on Thursday, March 13th at Rocket Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this College Basketball matchup.
Akron Zips Betting Preview
The Akron Zips are 25-6 (17-1) this year after they defeated Buffalo by a score of 88-70 in their last game. Akron led 47-24 at halftime, but they did allow 46 points in the second half in the win. The Zips shot 47.1% from the field, 35.7% on three pointers, and 63.2% on free throws in the game. Isaiah Gray led Akron with 14 points and four rebounds, while Nate Johnson added 14 points and two rebounds in the game.
Prior to that win, the Zips defeated Toledo by a score of 96-87 and Kent State by a score of 77-72. Akron has won four games in a row and they finished first in the MAC standings with a 17-1 record. Akron has scored 84 points per game and they have allowed 74.3 points against per game, while also averaging 39.7 rebounds and 18.3 assists per game this season. Nate Johnson is averaging 13.5 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game, while Tavari Johnson is averaging 12.8 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game this year. Akron is shooting 47% from the field, 74.7% on free throws, and 36% on three pointers this season.
Bowling Green Falcons Betting Preview
The Bowling Green Falcons are 14-17 (8-10) this season after they lost to Western Michigan by a score of 64-63 in their last game. Bowling Green trailed 33-32 at halftime and lost on a free throw with about two seconds left in regulation. The Falcons shot 46% from the field, 33.3% on three pointers, and 73.3% on free throws in the game. Marcus Johnson led Bowling Green with 20 points and five rebounds, while Derrick Butler also added 20 points and five rebounds in the loss.
Prior to that game, the Falcons defeated Northern Illinois by a score of 71-58 and Ball State by a score of 61-52. Bowling Green has won four of their last five games and they finished eighth in the MAC standings with an 8-10 record. Bowling Green has scored 74.3 points per game and they have allowed 73.6 points against per game, while also averaging 34.1 rebounds and 11.4 assists per game this season. Marcus Johnson is averaging 15.8 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game, while Javontae Campbell is averaging 15.2 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game this season. Bowling Green is shooting 44.6% from the field, 74.4% on free throws, and 34.8% on three pointers this year.
Why Bowling Green will beat Akron
- Bowling Green has won four of its last five games.
- Akron has lost seven of its last nine day games played at neutral venues.
- Bowling Green has won the first half in eight of its last 10 games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
Total Points Facts
- Fourteen of Akron’s last 15 day games at a neutral venue have produced a total of 138 or fewer points.
- Each of Bowling Green’s last five games against Conference opponents have produced a total of 137 or fewer points.
Matchup/League Facts
- Akron ranks 3rd among Division 1 teams for assists per game this season (18.3).
- Akron is one of three teams to ranks in the top-10 for both points and assists per game this season.
- Bowling Green ranks 364th among Division 1 teams for opponent free throw percentage this season (78.0%).
Akron vs Bowling Green Prediction
Akron comes into this matchup after dominating the MAC during the regular season, but there is still work to do in order to get to the NCAA Tournament. The Zips were the best team in the conference by a wide margin and they are scoring 84 points per game. Bowling Green was the last team to make the conference tournament, but they are playing well right now and they have won four of their last five games. Both teams have some ugly defensive numbers on the season, but Bowling Green has clamped down in recent games, allowing 64 points or fewer in four straight games. Akron won the lone regular season meeting with Bowling Green by a score of 71-68 and I think Bowling Green can keep this game close, especially with Akron’s poor defensive play. Take the points with the Falcons.