MAC Picks: Ohio Bobcats vs. Akron Zips | CBB Mar 15

Ohio Bobcats (19-12 SU, 17-14 ATS) vs. Akron Zips (21-10 SU, 15-15 ATS)

When: Friday, March 15th, 7:30 PM (ET)

Where: Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, OH, Cleveland

TV: CBSS

Point Spread: OHIO +2.5/AKRON -2.5

Total: 141.5

Money Line: Ohio Bobcats +121/-148

Notable Injuries

Bobcats

Zips

Recent Form

Ohio comes into this game with a 19-12 overall record and a seven-game win streak. They are 14-5 in Mid-American Conference play and 5-7 in non-conference games. On the road, the Bobcats have gone 5-7 this season, and they have won their last three games away from home.

So far this season, Ohio has been the underdog in five games, going 1-4 in those matchups. Their average scoring margin on the road is +1.6 points per game, and they are 5-5 in their last ten road contests. In their most recent game, the Bobcats beat Western Michigan 82-55.

Ohio’s over/under record for the season is 13-18, and today’s over/under line of 141.5 is lower than the average over/under line in their games (149.6). This season, 12 of their games have finished with less points than today’s over/under line. In their last three games, the over/under record is 0-3 and the average scoring total in those games is 137 points.

As the underdog, Ohio has gone 2-3 against the spread this season. On the road, their ATS mark is 6-6, but they have been even better lately, going 3-0 in their last three road games. For the year, the Bobcats are 17-14 vs. the spread.

When playing at home this season, Akron has a record of 12-2 compared to their 8-8 record on the road. Over their last ten games at home, the Zips have gone 9-1.

So far this season, Akron has been favored in 21 games, going 18-3 in those matchups. They are 2.5-point favorites for today’s game against Ohio.

So far this season, the over/under record for Akron games is 12-18. Today’s over/under line of 141.5 is similar to the average over/under line in their games this year (141.2). Over their last three games, the average scoring total is 144 points, which is higher than today’s over/under line. In their last three games, the over/under record is 2-1.

As the favorite this season, Akron has an 11-10 ATS record. Over their last 10 games as the favorite, the Zips are 5-5 vs. the spread. At home, Akron has gone 9-5 ATS this year, and their home ATS mark over their last 10 games is 7-3.

Analysis

In their previous game, the Bobcats’ offense finished with 82 points, which is right in line with their current average of 77.8 points per contest. Jaylin Hunter is leading the team in scoring at 13.9 points per contest. Shereef Mitchell has also been a key contributor, with a PPG average of 13.3 going into the game.

The Bobcats’ defense is presently ranked 115th nationally, allowing an average of 70.1 points per contest. In their most recent game, the Ohio defense struggled to defend the three-point line, as Western Michigan knocked down 9 three-pointers on their way to 55 points.

The Zips’ offense wrapped up their last game with 75 points, aligning closely with their current season average of 74.7 points per contest. The team’s top scorer is Enrique Freeman, who comes into today’s matchup with an average of 18.4, while Ali Ali also maintains a PPG average of 15.5 leading up to the game.

Coming into today’s game, the Akron defense is giving up an average of 66.1 points per contest. In their previous game vs. Miami (OH), the RedHawks finished with a field goal percentage of 47% and a total of 63 points vs. Akron.

Betting Trends

• Ohio has played well in their previous 5 road games, going 3-2 straight up. In this stretch, they averaged 80 points per game while allowing 73. The team also performed well vs the spread at 4-1.
• When looking at their past three home matchups, Akron has an ATS record of 0-3 while averaging 71 per game. The team went 0-3 overall in these games.
• The last ten games that Ohio was the underdog, they have an ATS mark of 5-4-1 while going 3-7 straight up.
• As the betting favorite, the Zips have an ATS mark of just 5-5 in their last ten games. Akron posted a straight up mark of 7-3 in these matchups.

Rich Crew’s Spread Pick

I’m willing to take a shot on the Bobcats who have lost a total of one MAC game in their last dozen included in that was nice 7-point win over Akron. Speaking of Akron, they appeared to lose their edge down the stretch losing three of their last five. Take Ohio +1.5.