Central Michigan Chippewas vs Akron Zips NCAA Basketball Betting Pick & Prediction 1/7/25
Betting on today’s Chippewas and Zips game? Catch the action at James A. Rhodes Arena in Akron, OH, as the Zips hosts this showdown at 7:00 ET on ESPN+. The over/under line for this matchup is currently at 146.5 points, and Akron is favored by -8.5 to win at home against Central Michigan.
CENTRAL MICHIGAN CHIPPEWAS VS AKRON ZIPS BETTING PICK
The Pick: Central Michigan Chippewas +8.5
This game will be played at James A. Rhodes Arena at 7:00 ET on Tuesday, January 7th.
WHY BET THE CENTRAL MICHIGAN CHIPPEWAS:
- We have this one finishing with a projected score of 77-70 in favor of the Zips.
- Even though we have Akron winning straight-up, we like Central Michigan at +8.5.
- The over/under is currently sitting at 146.5 points, and we like the over with a projected 147 points.
Do the Chippewas Stand a Chance in Akron?
Central Michigan Chippewas Recent Game/Games
Central Michigan fell to 2-7 on the season after a 57-55 loss to Ohio on Saturday, January 4th. The Chippewas, who were +4.5 point underdogs, covered the spread in this close game. The total points scored were 112, well under the O/U line of 148.5.
Central Michigan trailed 35-28 at halftime but tightened up defensively in the 2nd half, allowing just 22 points while scoring 27. Despite the improved effort, they couldn’t complete the comeback.
Central Michigan struggled offensively in their last game, scoring just 55 points on 32.8% shooting from the field. Their effective field goal percentage was 34.4%, and they hit only 13.3% of their three-point attempts, going 2-for-15 from beyond the arc.
Despite their shooting woes, the Chippewas managed to grab 15 offensive rebounds and hit 81.2% of their free throws. Jakobi Heady led the team with 15 points and 8 rebounds, while Jackson Paveletzke contributed 11 points and 5 assists, shooting 62.5% from the field.
Central Michigan’s defense was on point, holding their opponent to just 57 points on 32% shooting from the field. The Chippewas were particularly effective at defending the three, where they limited their opponent to just 2 made threes on 15 attempts, a 13% success rate.
Inside the arc, Central Michigan’s defense allowed 18 two-point baskets on 46 attempts, a 39% shooting performance. They also sent their opponent to the free-throw line 16 times, where they converted 13 of those attempts, an 81% rate. The Chippewas gave up 15 offensive rebounds in the game.
Can Akron Secure a Home Victory?
Akron improved to 6-5 on the season with a 71-68 road win over Bowling Green on Friday. The Zips were favored by 5.5 points but didn’t cover the spread. The game’s total points of 139 fell short of the O/U line of 157.5.
Akron trailed 32-30 at halftime but turned things around in the second half, outscoring the Falcons 41-36 to secure the win.
Akron’s offense put up 71 points in their last game, shooting 38.8% from the field. They connected on 12 of 42 three-point attempts, hitting just 28.6%, while their two-point shooting was more efficient at 56% (14/25). Their effective field goal percentage stood at 47.8%, and they made 7 of 9 free throws, shooting 77.8% from the line.
Trey Thomas led the way with 19 points, hitting 4 of 7 from beyond the arc and shooting 63.6% overall. Sharron Young added 17 points in just 18 minutes, shooting 60% from the field and 50% from three. Derrick Butler contributed 15 points, despite shooting 35.7% overall and 28.6% from deep.
Defensively, the Akron Zips held their opponent to 68 points on 34% shooting from the field. They were effective inside the arc, limiting their opponent to 36% shooting on two-point attempts (15/41).
From beyond the arc, Akron’s defense allowed 8 threes on 26 attempts, a 30% shooting rate. They also sent their opponent to the free-throw line 21 times, where they converted 14 free throws, shooting 66%. The Zips gave up 17 offensive rebounds.