Akron Zips vs Princeton Tigers NCAA Basketball Betting Pick & Prediction 12/30/24

Planning on watching today’s Zips and Tigers game? Catch the action at Jadwin Gymnasium in Princeton, NJ, as the Tigers hosts this showdown at 1:00 ET on ESPN+. This non-conference matchup has an over/under of 154.5 points, and Princeton is favored by -5.5 vs. Akron.

AKRON ZIPS VS PRINCETON TIGERS BETTING PICK

The Pick: Princeton Tigers -5.5

This game will be played at Jadwin Gymnasium at 1:00 ET on Monday, December 30th.

WHY BET THE PRINCETON TIGERS:

• We have this one finishing with a projected score of 78-69 in favor of the Tigers.
• Not only will Princeton pick up the win, but look for them to cover at -5.5.
• The over/under is currently sitting at 154.5 points, and we like the under with a projected 147 points.

Are the Zips Ready for a Win at Princeton?

Akron improved to 5-4 on the season with a 68-50 road win over Jackson State on Saturday, December 21st. The Zips entered the game as -8.5 favorites and covered the spread, while the combined points of 118 fell well short of the 150.5 O/U line.

After leading just 30-29 at halftime, Akron clamped down defensively, allowing only 21 points in the 2nd half while scoring 38 of their own to pull away for the win.

Akron struggled offensively in their last game, shooting just 34.8% from the field and 23.1% from three-point range, hitting only 9 of 39 attempts. Their effective field goal percentage was 42.4%, and they managed to score 68 points.

On the bright side, the Zips grabbed 24 offensive rebounds and dished out 15 assists. Shammah Scott and Isaiah Gray both shot 57.1% from the field and 66.7% from beyond the arc, contributing 12 and 11 points, respectively.

Akron’s defense was on point, holding their opponent to just 50 points on 28% shooting from the field. The Zips were particularly effective inside, limiting the other team to 11/38 on two-point attempts, also at 28%.

From beyond the arc, Akron’s defense allowed 6 threes on 21 attempts, with the opponent shooting 28% from deep. The Zips also sent them to the line 17 times, where they made 10 free throws, shooting 58%.

Will Princeton Find a Way to Win at Home?

Princeton Tigers Recent Game/Games

The Tigers improved to 8-4 on the season with an 83-82 road win over Rutgers on Saturday, December 21st. Princeton entered the game as +7 point underdogs but pulled off the upset and covered the spread.

Princeton trailed 46-44 at halftime but outscored Rutgers 39-36 in the second half to secure the win. The game’s total points of 165 exceeded the O/U line of 151.5.

Princeton’s offense put up 83 points in their last game, shooting 47.1% from the field and posting an effective field goal percentage of 54.3%. They connected on 55.8% of their two-point attempts, while hitting 33.3% from beyond the arc, making 9 threes on 27 attempts. Their free-throw shooting was a struggle, as they hit just 44.4% from the line, going 8 for 18.

The Tigers dominated the offensive glass, grabbing 19 offensive rebounds and dishing out 17 assists. Dylan Harper led the way with 22 points, shooting 50% overall, though he was just 1 of 6 from three. Caden Pierce and Xaivian Lee each added 21 points, with Pierce pulling down 14 rebounds and Lee contributing 11 assists.

Princeton’s defense gave up 82 points in their last game, with the opposing team shooting 46% from the field, hitting 29 of 63 attempts. Inside the arc, the Tigers allowed 23 two-point baskets on 44 tries, a 52% success rate.

From three-point range, the opposition connected on 6 of 19 shots, shooting 31%. Princeton also sent them to the free-throw line 23 times, where they made 18, or 78%. The Tigers allowed 12 offensive rebounds.