Akron Zips at Buffalo Bulls Expert Pick & Analysis

Akron (15-6 SU 7-10 ATS) vs. Buffalo (10-11 SU 12-7 ATS)
When: Tuesday, January 31st: 7:00 ET
Where: Alumni Arena Buffalo, NY
TV: ESPN+
Point Spread: Akr -2.5/UB +2.5
Total: 145.5
Money Line: Akron Zips -147/Buffalo Bulls +119

The Akron Zips head to Buffalo to take on the Bulls in Tuesday night college basketball betting action. The Zips are a slight -2.5 favorite, with the total line offered up at 146.5 points. The tip-off for tonight’s game at the Alumni Arena is scheduled for 7:00 PM ET and can be watched on ESPN+.

Line Movement

The point spread line opened with Akron, the smallest of favorites at -1 and since, against public backing, risen to as high as -2.5 on some boards. The O/U line has been on the move hitting the board at 145 and climbing to a consensus total line of 146.5.

Last Game Info

Akron is coming off an 83-77 win over Ohio. Entering the game, the Zips were favored at -6, resulting in an ATS push on each side. The combined 160 points finished above the 137.5 total line.

Buffalo lost to Kent State in their last game by a score of 74-68. But because the Bulls were +11 point underdogs, they finished with an ATS win. The combined 142 points did not surpass the 151.5 total line.

Current Form

Akron
Over their last five games, Akron has a straight-up record of 5-0 while going 2-1-2 vs. the spread. Over this stretch, the Zips’ offense averages 78.4 points per game while hitting 46.3% of their shots from the field. On the defensive end of the floor, they have allowed opponents to shoot 42.3% from the field while allowing 63.6 points per contest.

Buffalo
In their previous five contests, Buffalo is 2-3 straight-up and 3-2 vs. the spread. In these five games, they have a scoring average of 82.8 points per game on a shooting percentage of 47.0%. Defensively, they allow teams to hit 42.5% of their shots while giving up 76.6 points per game.

Average Power Rating Of Opponents Played

This season, the combined power rating of Akron’s opponents comes in at 72.7. On the other side, Buffalo’s combined opponent power rating sits at 77.7.

How Does Akron Fare On The Road?

For the season, the Zips have played nine road games and have a record of 4-5. In these contests, Akron is 2-6 vs. the spread. Offensively, they have averaged 62.8 points per game on a shooting percentage of 39.0%. On defense, the Zips allow 64.0 points per contest when playing away from home. So far, opposing teams have a field goal percentage of 41.2% in these games.

How Does Buffalo Fare At Home?

In their 12 games at home, Buffalo has a 6-4 record vs. the spread while going 8-4 straight-up. On offense, the Bulls are shooting 46.5% on their home floor, leading to 82.8 points per game. Defensively, opponents are shooting 41.8% in these contests. The Buffalo defense is allowing 72.8 points per game at home.

Offense vs. Defense

For the season, Akron is averaging 71.2 points per game (191st) while posting an overall field goal percentage of 46.2%. In today’s game, they will be matched up against a Buffalo defense that has allowed an average of 76.8 points per contest. This year, opponents have hit 44.0% of their shots vs. Buffalo. On the other side, the Buffalo Bulls are coming into the game averaging 79.9 points per game on a shooting percentage of 45.5%. The Bulls will be facing a defensive unit allowing an average of 63.0 points per contest. So far, teams have hit 38.8% of their shots vs. the Zips.

More CBB Picks: Indiana at Maryland Prediction ATS for their 1/31/23 game.

Three-Point Shooting

From beyond the arc, Akron has a shooting percentage of 35.8% while ranking 333rd in attempts per game. The Zips will be facing a Buffalo defense that has a 3-point field goal shooting percentage allowed of 33.6%. Buffalo enters the game having hit 34.2% of their looks from deep while averaging 8.5 made 3’s per game. On the other end, Akron has allowed opponents to hit 31.3% of their shots from beyond the arc.

Injuries Of Note

Akron

• Mikal Dawson (Out) Achilles

Buffalo

• No Reported Injuries

Pick Against The Line

Sure, Buffalo can score, averaging 79.7 points per game overall, and they have run it up at home in MAC play averaging 83 points. That said, they have a conference home O/U record of 1-3 because they play solid defense at the Alumni Arena, holding three of the four opponents to 71 or fewer points. In comes Akron, who is all about defense, allowing just 65.4 points in conference games. In only one game did they allow more than 70 points, and that came in their latest against Ohio when they coasted in the second half after hitting the break up 47-30. Take the Under 146.5