Ohio Bobcats vs Akron Zips NCAA Basketball Betting Pick & Prediction 1/17/25
The Bobcats and Zips are set to face off at 6:00 ET on CBSS. The Zips will host the game at James A. Rhodes Arena in Akron, OH. The over/under line for this matchup is currently at 158 points, and Akron is favored by -2.5 to win at home against Ohio.
OHIO BOBCATS VS AKRON ZIPS BETTING PICK
The Pick: Akron Zips -2.5
This game will be played at James A. Rhodes Arena at 6:00 ET on Friday, January 17th.
WHY BET THE AKRON ZIPS:
- We have this one finishing with a projected score of 78-69 in favor of the Zips.
- Not only will Akron pick up the win, but look for them to cover at -2.5.
- The over/under is currently sitting at 158 points, and we like the under with a projected 147 points.
Is a Win at Akron Possible for the Bobcats?
Ohio Bobcats Recent Game/Games
Ohio improved to 9-6 on the season with an 86-71 win over Ball State on Tuesday. Playing at home, the Bobcats entered the game as -9.5 favorites and covered the spread with the victory.
Ohio led 45-35 at halftime and continued to play well in the second half, outscoring Ball State 41-36. The game’s total points reached 157, surpassing the over/under line of 150.5.
Ohio’s offense was clicking in their last game, putting up 86 points with a 54.8% shooting performance from the field. Their effective field goal percentage was 61.3%, thanks in part to their 65% shooting on two-point attempts (26/40). From beyond the arc, they connected on 8 of 22 threes, shooting 36.4%.
The Bobcats also added 10 points from the free-throw line, hitting 62.5% of their attempts. They grabbed 8 offensive rebounds and dished out 15 assists. Mickey Pearson Jr. led the way with 19 points, while Aidan Hadaway and Jackson Paveletzke each contributed 15 points, with Paveletzke also adding 6 assists.
Ohio’s defense struggled in their last game, giving up 71 points while allowing the opposing team to shoot 54% from the field. The Bobcats had a tough time containing two-point shots, as their opponents connected on 65% of their attempts, going 26/40.
From beyond the arc, Ohio’s defense allowed 8 threes on 22 attempts, a 36% shooting performance. They also sent the other team to the free-throw line 16 times, where they made 10 free throws, shooting 62%. Ohio gave up 8 offensive rebounds in the game.
Will the Zips Secure A Victory as Home Favorites?
Akron Zips Recent Game/Games
The Zips improved to 9-5 on the season with an 85-78 win over Toledo on Tuesday. Akron, who were -8 favorites, didn’t cover the spread in this one. The total points for the game hit 163, just over the O/U line of 161.5.
Akron had to rally in this game, as they were down 42-30 at halftime. They turned things around in the second half, outscoring Toledo 55-36 to secure the win.
Akron put up 85 points in their last game, shooting 46.7% from the field. Their effective field goal percentage was 53.3%, with a strong 56.5% inside the arc, but just 31% from three-point range, hitting 9 of 29 attempts.
Nate Johnson led the way with 28 points and 9 rebounds, shooting 52.2% overall, though he struggled from deep, going 1 for 7. Akron dished out 21 assists and grabbed 17 offensive rebounds, with Amani Lyles contributing 16 points on 7 of 9 shooting in just 20 minutes.
Akron’s defense gave up 78 points, allowing their opponent to shoot 46% from the field. Inside the arc, they struggled, with the other team hitting 56% of their two-point attempts, going 26/46.
From three-point range, Akron held their opponent to 31% shooting, with 9 made threes on 29 attempts. They also sent the other team to the free-throw line 9 times, where they made 6, shooting 66%. Akron allowed 17 offensive rebounds.