Akron Zips vs Saint Mary’s Gaels NCAA Basketball Betting Pick & Prediction 11/12/24

The Zips and Gaels are set to face off at 10:00 ET on ESPN+. The Gaels will host the game at University Credit Union Pavilion in Moraga, CA. This non-conference matchup has an over/under of 137.5 points, and Saint Mary’s is favored by -14.5 vs. Akron.

AKRON ZIPS VS SAINT MARY’S GAELS BETTING PICK

The Pick: Akron Zips +14.5

This game will be played at University Credit Union Pavilion at 10:00 ET on Tuesday, November 12th.

WHY BET THE AKRON ZIPS:

• We have this one finishing with a projected score of 75-73 in favor of the Gaels.
• Even though we have Saint Mary’s winning straight-up, we like Akron at +14.5.
• The over/under is currently sitting at 137.5 points, and we like the over with a projected 148 points.

Will Akron Pull Through as the Underdog Road Team?

Akron Zips Recent Game/Games

Akron dropped their season opener on Monday, falling 80-75 to Arkansas State on the road. The Zips were +5.5 point underdogs, but managed to cover the spread. The total points for the game hit 155, going over the pre-game line of 149.5.

After trailing 40-30 at halftime, Akron made a strong push in the 2nd half, outscoring the Red Wolves 42-32. Despite the comeback effort, they couldn’t close the gap entirely.

In their last game, the Zips managed to put up 75 points despite shooting just 37.8% from the field. They hit 31.2% from beyond the arc, connecting on 10 of 32 attempts, and their effective field goal percentage was 44.6%.

Joseph Pinion was a standout, hitting 4 of 5 threes and finishing with 16 points in 22 minutes. Sharron Young also impressed, going 3 for 5 from deep and scoring 15 points in 22 minutes of action.

Akron’s defense struggled in their last game, giving up 80 points on 46% shooting from the field. The Zips allowed their opponent to hit 58% of their two-point attempts, with 25 makes on 43 shots.

From beyond the arc, Akron held their opponent to 30% shooting, with 9 threes on 30 attempts. The Zips sent their opponent to the line just 6 times, where they made 3 free throws. Akron also gave up 9 offensive rebounds.

Will the Gaels Secure A Victory as Home Favorites?

Saint Mary’s Gaels Recent Game/Games

Saint Mary’s opened their season with an 86-74 win over Chattanooga on Thursday. The Gaels were -16.5 point favorites going into the game, but they didn’t cover the spread. The combined points of 160 exceeded the O/U line of 137.5.

Saint Mary’s led 39-29 at halftime and scored 47 points in the 2nd half. However, they allowed Chattanooga to score 45 points after the break, which kept the game closer than expected.

Saint Mary’s put up 86 points in their last game, shooting 51.9% from the field with an effective field goal percentage of 59.6%. They connected on 63.3% of their two-point attempts, while hitting 36.4% from beyond the arc. At the free-throw line, they made 24 of 32 attempts, good for 75%.

Augustas Marciulionis led the way with 27 points and 7 assists, shooting 56.2% overall and 50% from three. Paulius Murauskas added 23 points and 11 rebounds, hitting 63.6% of his shots. The Gaels also got 19 points from Makai Richards, who shot 66.7% in just 18 minutes of action.

Saint Mary’s struggled defensively, giving up 74 points on 51% shooting from the field. Their opponents were particularly effective inside, hitting 63% of their two-point attempts (19/30).

From beyond the arc, Saint Mary’s allowed 8 threes on 22 attempts (36%). They also sent their opponents to the line 32 times, where they converted 24 free throws (75%).