The Morgan State Bears and the Akron Zips meet Tuesday in college basketball action from James A. Rhodes Arena. Morgan State is 1-2 on the season so far and lost to VCU in their last game. As for Akron, they’re 1-1 following a loss to Mississippi State back on Friday. Check back all season long for free college basketball picks at Sports Chat Place.
Morgan State had a tricky matchup versus Xavier in their first game of the year and didn’t get close in a 96-73 loss. The Bears’ first win of the season came in the second outing versus Penn State Greater Allegheny. Morgan State won that one 130-49.
The Bears slipped back into the loss column in their matchup versus VCU. After a 28-27 halftime deficit, Morgan State emerged with a 69-54 defeat. Tops in scoring was Isaiah Burke with 12 points, and Malik Miller added 10 points and 11 rebounds.
Over on the Akron side, their first game of 2022-23 was a tight one versus South Dakota State. The Zips were down by six at the half, then rallied for overtime and an 81-80 comeback win. Xavier Castaneda posted 31 points and Enrique Freeman doubled on 23 points and 14 boards.
In their second matchup, the Zips faced off against Mississippi State. Akron posted 27 points in each half on the way to a 73-54 blowout loss. Castaneda was the only team player in double-figures with 20 points, six assists and four rebounds.
PICK: I’m probably staying with Akron but not going near this one. The Zips were outmatched and played pretty poorly against Mississippi State in their last game, shooting 32.7 percent (also 6-of-27 from 3-point range) with only 25 rebounds to the Bulldogs’ 43. Akron was much better in the more comparable opponent of South Dakota State during their opener. The Zips should match up pretty well here also.