Sports
Sportsbooks
Casino
Top Lists
Compare Sportsbook
More

Looking to win big? The Runnin' Bulldogs and Zips face off at 6:30 ET on ESPN+. The Zips are hosting the game at James A. Rhodes Arena in Akron, OH. The over/under for this game is set at 138.5 points, and the Zips are the home favorites against the Runnin' Bulldogs in a non-conference matchup.

GARDNER-WEBB RUNNIN' BULLDOGS VS AKRON ZIPS BETTING PICK

The Pick: Gardner-Webb Runnin' Bulldogs +9.5

This game will be played at James A. Rhodes Arena at 6:30 ET on Thursday, December 21st.

WHY BET THE GARDNER-WEBB RUNNIN' BULLDOGS:

  • We have this one finishing with a projected score of 73-70 in favor of the Zips.
  • Even though we have Akron winning straight-up, we like Gardner-Webb at +9.5.
  • The over/under is currently sitting at 138.5 points, and we like the over with a projected 143 points.

Can Gardner-Webb Pull Out the Win as Road Underdogs?

Gardner-Webb has an overall record of 5-8 as they prepare to play their 14th game of the season. In their last ten road games, including those from last year, Gardner-Webb has a 1-9 record. Gardner-Webb has a winning ATS record of 6-3, sitting above .500. Over their last five games, the team is 2-2 vs. the spread.

After 13 games, Gardner-Webb has an over/under record of 5-4-0, with their games averaging a combined 140.4 points per game so far. In their most recent three games, the Runnin' Bulldogs' over/under record is 1-1, with their games averaging 137 points per game.

In their latest game, Gardner-Webb offense put up 66 points against Chattanooga. They recorded an overall field goal percentage of 41.3% and made 12 threes. In terms of offense, the Runnin' Bulldogs have a season-long field goal percentage of 41%, putting them 328th in the NCAA. Regarding three-pointers, they are ranked 305th in percentage and 222nd in three-pointers made.

Coming into today's game, the Gardner-Webb defense is giving up an average of 69.5 points per contest. On average, opposing teams are hitting 4.7 threes per game vs. Akron. This has come on three-point shooting percentage of 25.9%.

Can The Zips Secure a Home Victory?

Akron will be playing their 11th game of the season when they face Gardner-Webb. Akron's overall record is 7-3. In their previous five home games, which includes last year, Akron has a record of 4-1. As Akron enters today's game, their against-the-spread (ATS) record stands at 3-4. When playing away from home, the Zips are 2-3 vs. the spread, while they are 1-1 ATS in games played at home.

Through 10 games, Akron has an over/under record of 4-3-0 with their games averaging a combined 141.4 points per game so far. The Zips have an over/under record of 1-1 in their last three games, with their games averaging 134 points per game.

In their recent game, the Zips' offense concluded with 77 points, consistent with their ongoing season average of 76.7 points per contest. Currently leading the team in scoring is Enrique Freeman who comes into today's matchup averaging 17.8. Sammy Hunter also heads into the game with a PPG average of 11.8.

So far this season, the Akron defense has been performing well, ranking 34th in the country at 63.2 points allowed per contest. In terms of field goal percentage allowed, Akron's defense has allowed opponents to shoot 39.0% from the field, including a three-point shooting percentage allowed of 30.2% this season.