Northern Kentucky Norse vs Akron Zips NCAA Basketball Betting Pick & Prediction 12/3/24

Making on a bet on this NCAA game featuring the Norse versus the Zips? Tip off is at at 7:00 ET, and you can watch it all unfold on ESPN+. The game will be played at James A. Rhodes Arena in Akron, OH. The over/under line for this matchup is currently at 143.5 points, and Akron is favored by -6 at home against Northern Kentucky.

NORTHERN KENTUCKY NORSE VS AKRON ZIPS BETTING PICK

The Pick: Akron Zips -6

This game will be played at James A. Rhodes Arena at 7:00 ET on Tuesday, December 3rd.

WHY BET THE AKRON ZIPS:

• We have this one finishing with a projected score of 77-70 in favor of the Zips.
• Not only will Akron pick up the win, but look for them to cover at -6.
• The over/under is currently sitting at 143.5 points, and we like the over with a projected 147 points.

Will the Norse Win on the Road?

Northern Kentucky Norse Recent Game/Games

Northern Kentucky improved to 3-2 on the season with an 86-70 home win over Bellarmine on Saturday, November 30th. The Norse were -10.5 point favorites going into the game and covered the spread with the victory.

After leading 34-31 at halftime, Northern Kentucky pulled away in the 2nd half, outscoring Bellarmine 52-39. The total points for the game were 156, surpassing the O/U line of 136.

Northern Kentucky put up 86 points in their last game, shooting 51.6% from the field with an effective field goal percentage of 58.1%. They were dominant inside, hitting 67.6% of their two-point attempts, while struggling from beyond the arc, connecting on just 28% of their threes (7/25).

Trey Robinson led the way with 24 points on 9/12 shooting, while Randall Pettus II added 20 points, hitting 3 of 5 from deep. Tyler Doyle also shot 75% from the field, finishing with 15 points and 4 assists.

Northern Kentucky’s defense struggled in their last game, giving up 70 points on 51% shooting from the field. The Norse allowed 67% shooting on two-point attempts, with their opponents hitting 25 of 37 shots inside the arc.

From beyond the three-point line, Northern Kentucky held their opponents to 28% shooting, as they made 7 of 25 attempts. The Norse also sent their opponents to the free-throw line 21 times, where they converted 15 free throws for 71%.

Can the Zips Live Up to the Hype at Home?

Akron Zips Recent Game/Games

Akron improved to 3-2 on the season with a 97-78 home win over Alabama State on Sunday, November 24th. The Zips entered the game as -8.5 favorites and covered the spread, while the total points of 175 exceeded the O/U line of 149.

Leading 50-41 at halftime, Akron maintained control in the 2nd half, outscoring the Hornets 47-37 to secure the victory.

Akron’s offense exploded for 97 points in their last game, hitting 15 threes at a 42.9% clip and finishing with an effective field goal percentage of 58%. They also shot 78.3% from the free-throw line and grabbed 18 offensive rebounds, with 21 assists as a team.

Nate Johnson led the way with 25 points, while Bowen Hardman and CJ Hines each added 19. Hardman was nearly perfect from deep, hitting 6 of 7 threes, and Tyler Mack also connected on 6 threes, shooting 66.7% from beyond the arc.

Akron’s defense gave up 78 points in their last game, with their opponents shooting 46% from the field, converting 32 of 69 attempts. Inside the arc, the opposition hit 50% of their two-point shots, going 17 for 34.

From three-point range, Akron allowed 15 made threes on 35 attempts, a 42% shooting clip. They also sent their opponents to the free-throw line 23 times, where they made 18, shooting 78%. Akron gave up 18 offensive rebounds in the game.