Northern Illinois Huskies vs. Akron Zips Total Pick | Mar 2, 2024

Northern Illinois Huskies (10-18 SU, 8-18 ATS) vs. Akron Zips (20-8 SU, 14-12 ATS)

When: Saturday, March 2nd, 6:00 PM (ET)

Where: James A. Rhodes Arena, OH, Akron

TV: ESPN+

Point Spread: NILL +15.5/AKRON -15.5 (Grab a 100% real cash bonus up to $300 w/code PREDICT100 at MyBookie!)

Total: 139.5

Money Line: Northern Illinois Huskies +918/-1900

Notable Injuries

Huskies

• Zarique Nutter (Questionable) Undisclosed

Zips

Recent Form

Despite being 10-18 overall, Northern Illinois is just 4-11 in the Mid-American Conference. They are coming off a 75-72 win over Toledo, and they are 5-16 this season as an underdog.

On the road, the Huskies have gone 4-10 this season, and they are 2-8 in their last 10 games away from home. For the year, their average scoring margin on the road is -9.6 points per game, and they have gone 2-3 in their last five road games.

Today’s over/under line of 139.5 is slightly lower than the average over/under line in Northern Illinois’ games this season (151.5). So far, 12 of their games have finished with more points than today’s OU line. Over their last three games, the average scoring total is 139 points.

As the underdog this season, Northern Illinois has an ATS record of 6-15 and is just 2-8 in their last 10 games as the underdog. On the road, the Huskies have an ATS mark of 5-9 this year and are just 2-8 in their last 10 road games vs. the spread. In their last three road games, Northern Illinois has gone 1-2 ATS.

Coming into tonight’s game, Akron is 20-8 overall and 12-3 in Mid-American Conference play. The Zips have been dominant at home, going 10-1 and winning their last nine games at home. On the season, they are +11.6 in average scoring margin at home.

For the year, Akron has been favored in 17 of their 28 games, going 16-1 in those matchups. Their average scoring margin on the road is +2.2, and they are 8-7 away from home.

Today’s over/under line of 139.5 is lower than the average over/under line in Akron’s games this year (141.7). So far, 14 of their games have finished with fewer points than today’s OU line. In their last three games, the over/under record is 1-2 and the average scoring total in those games is 143 points.

As the favorite, Akron has gone 10-7 vs. the spread this season and they are 14-12 overall. At home, the Zips have an ATS mark of 8-3 and they have gone 7-2 in their last 10 home games vs. the spread.

Analysis

In their latest game, Northern Illinois offense put up 75 points against Toledo. They recorded an overall field goal percentage of 50.9% and made 10 threes. Offensively, the Huskies hold a season-long field goal percentage of 44%, placing them 230th in the national rankings. When it comes to three-pointers, they are ranked 254th in terms of percentage and 207th in three-pointers made.

As they prepare for the upcoming game, Northern Illinois is focused on shoring up their defense, as they are currently allowing an average of 77.9 points per game (298th). So far, the Northern Illinois defense is giving up an average of 9.6 offensive rebounds per game and are turning teams over 12.3 times per game (632nd).

In contrast to their season average of 74.7 points per game, the Akron had a below-average performance. They scored 67 points against Ohio and had a field goal percentage of 47.3%. Ali Ali led the scoring for the Zips, contributing 16 points. Additionally, Greg Tribble chipped in with 14 points.

So far this season, the Akron defense has been performing well, ranking 26th in the country at 65.3 points allowed per contest. In terms of field goal percentage allowed, Akron’s defense has allowed opponents to shoot 41.1% from the field, including a three-point shooting percentage allowed of 29.2% this season.

Betting Trends

• In their last ten games away from home, the Huskies have a straight up record of 2-8 while going 2-8 vs. the spread. The team averaged 69 points per game in this stretch.
• In their last three games at home, the Zips have a straight up record of 1-2 while going 0-3 vs. the spread. The team averaged 68 points per game in this stretch.
• The last ten games that Northern Illinois was the underdog, they have an ATS mark of 2-8 while going 2-8 straight up.
• As the betting favorite, the Zips have an ATS record of 2-1 in their last three games. In these matchups, their straight up record was 3-0.

Rich Crew’s Total Pick

Somehow NIU went into Savage Arena and took down Toledo on their homecourt as a -16 road dog. The Huskies have played some other MAC teams tough on the road, but they struggle against a good defense which is what they face tonight in Akron. I think that we see a score like the earlier matchup (73-51) making the total the prudent play. Take the Under 139.5. Bankroll running low? Boost it up BIG with a 100% real cash bonus!