Akron Zips vs. Creighton Bluejays Tourney Pick & Predictions

Akron Zips (24-10 SU, 17-16 ATS) vs. Creighton Bluejays (23-9 SU, 17-15 ATS)

When: Thursday, March 21st, 1:30 PM (ET)

Where: PPG Paints Arena, PA, Pittsburgh

TV: TNT

Point Spread: AKRON +12.5/CREIGH -12.5

Total: 141

Money Line: Akron Zips +589/-922

Notable Injuries

Zips

Bluejays

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After winning their last game against Kent State by a score of 62-61, Akron comes into this game with a 24-10 record. The Zips have won four games in a row, and they have gone 17-5 in Mid-American Conference play.

So far this season, Akron has gone 8-8 on the road, and they have an average scoring margin of +1.7 points per game. Over their last 10 road games, the Zips have gone 5-5, and they are 1-4 in their last five games away from home.

This season, the over/under record for Akron games is 12-21. The average scoring total in their games this year is 138.8 points, which is lower than the average OU line of 140.8. So far, 16 of their games have had a lower OU line than today’s line of 141. In their last three games, the over/under record is 1-2, and the average scoring total is 129 points.

As the underdog this season, Akron has gone 4-5 vs. the spread, and they are 17-16 ATS overall. On the road, the Zips have gone just 6-10 vs. the spread this year and they are 0-3 ATS in their last 3 road games. In their last 10 games as the underdog, Akron has gone 4-6 vs. the spread.

Creighton enters this game with a record of 23-9 and a record of 14-7 in Big East play. They have gone 14-4 at home this season, and they are 22-7 in games where they were favored.

In their last game, the Bluejays fell to Providence by a score of 78-73. Over their last ten games at home, they have gone 8-2.

Creighton’s over/under record this season sits at 16-16, and their games have averaged 148.3 points per game in terms of the over/under line. So far, 22 of their games have finished with more points than today’s line of 141. In their last three games, the over/under record is 2-1, with those matchups having an average of 150 points.

As the favorite this season, Creighton has gone 16-13 vs. the spread. At home, the Bluejays have an ATS mark of 8-10. Over their last three games as the favorite, Creighton is 2-1 ATS.

Analysis

In contrast to their season average of 74 points per game, the Akron had a below-average performance. They scored 62 points against Kent State and had a field goal percentage of 39.6%. In terms of offense, the Zips have a season-long field goal percentage of 45%, putting them 162nd in the NCAA. Regarding three-pointers, they are ranked 266th in percentage and 122nd in three-pointers made.

The Zips’ defense is presently ranked 27th nationally, allowing an average of 65.7 points per contest. In their previous game vs. Kent State, the Golden Flashes finished with a field goal percentage of 39% and a total of 61 points vs. Akron.

Coming off their recent game, the Creighton offense tallied 73 points in a matchup against Providence. Their field goal percentage for the game was 37.9%, and they made 6 threes. The team’s top scorer is Baylor Scheierman, who enters today’s matchup with an average of 18.4, while Trey Alexander also carries a PPG average of 17.6 into the game.

The Bluejays’ defense is presently ranked 107th nationally, allowing an average of 69.7 points per contest. On average, opposing teams are hitting 5.8 threes per game vs. Akron. This has come on a three-point shooting percentage of 31.8%.

Betting Trends

• Across their ten previous road games, Akron has an ATS mark of 3-7. Their straight-up record in these matchups was 5-5 while averaging 72 points per game.
• Across their ten previous home games, Creighton has an ATS mark of 6-4. Their straight-up record in these matchups was 6-4 while averaging 75 points per game.
• Spanning across their last ten games as the betting underdog, the Zips have gone 4-6 vs the spread. Their overall record in these games was 2-8.
• Through their last five games as the favorite, the Bluejays have an ATS record of 3-2 and a straight-up mark of 3-2.

Rich Crew’s Pick To Cover The Spread

Akron has the defensive efficeincy to keep this game close and they match up well against Creighton’s 3-point game. Take Akron +12.5.