Akron Zips vs Buffalo Bulls NCAA Basketball Betting Pick & Prediction 1/21/25
Betting on today’s Zips and Bulls game? Catch the action at Alumni Arena in Buffalo, NY, as the Bulls hosts this showdown at 7:00 ET on ESPN+. In this Mid-American matchup, Akron is favored bt -12.5 vs. Buffalo. The over/under for the game is 159.5 points.
AKRON ZIPS VS BUFFALO BULLS BETTING PICK
The Pick: Buffalo Bulls +12.5
This game will be played at Alumni Arena at 7:00 ET on Tuesday, January 21st.
WHY BET THE BUFFALO BULLS:
- We have this one finishing with a projected score of 76-69 in favor of the Bulls.
- Not only will Buffalo pick up the win, but look for them to cover at +12.5.
- The over/under is currently sitting at 159.5 points, and we like the under with a projected 145 points.
Do the Zips Have What it Takes on the Road?
Akron Zips Recent Game/Games
Akron improved to 10-5 on the season with a 92-80 win over Ohio on Friday. The Zips, who were -4 favorites, covered the spread at home. The game’s total points of 172 exceeded the O/U line of 161.5.
Akron led 44-29 at halftime and scored 48 points in the 2nd half, but they allowed 51 points to Ohio after the break.
Akron’s offense was firing on all cylinders in their last game, putting up 92 points with a 51.5% field goal percentage. They connected on 38.5% of their threes, hitting 10 of 26 attempts, and were efficient from the line, making 12 of 15 free throws (80%).
The Zips dished out 24 assists, with Amani Lyles contributing 6 to go along with 17 points on 7 of 9 shooting. Shereef Mitchell led the way with 27 points, hitting 3 of 6 from deep, while Isaiah Gray added 22 points despite struggling from three, going 1 of 6.
Akron’s defense struggled, giving up 80 points on 51% shooting. They allowed 35 field goals on 68 attempts.
Inside the arc, the Zips gave up 25 two-pointers on 42 attempts, a 59% shooting rate. From three, they allowed 10 threes on 26 attempts, with the opponent shooting 38%. They also sent the other team to the line 15 times, where they hit 12 free throws, an 80% rate.
Will Buffalo Make it Happen at Home?
Buffalo Bulls Recent Game/Games
Buffalo improved to 4-11 on the season with an 85-76 road win over Western Michigan on Saturday. Entering the game as +8.5 point underdogs, the Bulls not only pulled off the upset but also covered the spread.
Buffalo took control early, leading 53-39 at halftime. While the Bulls’ offense slowed in the second half, scoring 32 points, they held on for the win despite allowing 37 points after the break. The game’s total points of 161 went over the pre-game line of 153.5.
Buffalo’s offense put up 85 points in their last game, shooting 49.2% from the field. They were particularly effective from beyond the arc, hitting 15 of 32 threes for a 46.9% rate, contributing to an effective field goal percentage of 61%.
Tyson Dunn connected on 6 of 12 threes, finishing with 20 points, 9 rebounds, and 8 assists. Chansey Willis Jr. added 21 points and 5 assists, despite missing both of his three-point attempts.
Buffalo’s defense gave up 76 points in their last game, with their opponents shooting 44% from the field on 30 of 67 attempts. Inside the arc, the Bulls allowed 55% shooting, as their opponents connected on 25 of 45 two-point shots.
From three-point range, Buffalo held their opponents to 22% shooting, with just 5 makes on 22 attempts. The Bulls also sent their opponents to the free-throw line 19 times, where they hit 11, shooting 57%. Buffalo gave up 8 offensive rebounds in the game.