The Mid-American Conference meeting between the Akron Zips and AP Top 25 ranked (No. 18) Buffalo Bulls is on this early Thursday afternoon at Quicken Loans Arena. The last time they met in the MAC Tournament was back in 2016, when the Zips fell to the Bulls 64–61. In the regular season this year, Buffalo won both games, one of February 12 (76-70) and again on February 26 (77-64). All time, the Bulls lead the Zips 11-7 in straight up wins, but it’s typically a close affair, with just a 2.1-point differential. Does Akron have what it takes to upset the odds in favor of Buffalo this week? Let’s find out.
Betting on the Akron Zips (17-15 Overall / 8-10 Conference)
Akron advanced in the MAC Tournament after they manhandled the Miami RedHawks 80-51 on Monday, dominating the game from the very beginning. Two Zips scored over 20-points, including forward Daniel Utomi (20-points) and guard Loren Jackson (25-points). Guard Jimon Ivey added 14-points, while the rest of the team (bench included) was pretty much silent, although they were hardly needed on the offensive end.
In Akron’s February 12 loss against Buffalo, four players hit for double digits, but this time the bench’s deafening silence was heard. Akron needed a little extra boost against the MAC East opponent, and didn’t get it. What about the follow-up 77-64 loss to Buffalo on February 26? Akron’s bench stepped up this time, as guard Tyler Cheese poured in 20-points, but the starters underperformed. They also gave up 16 turnovers which was the difference maker.
After a win this season, Akron is 8-8 against the spread (ATS), covering 50% of the time.
Betting on the Buffalo Bulls (28-3 Overall / 16-2 Conference)
Buffalo is on a nine game winning streak, having suffered its last loss (92-88) way back on February 1 against Bowling Green, although they took revenge against the same opponent to close out the regular season with an 84-73 win last Friday. With that one in the books, Buffalo finishes the regular season 5th in scoring offense in NCAA Division 1 with an 85 PPG average. They are also rank 6th in rebounds with an average of 40.6 boards per game.
While Akron defense held Buffalo under their season scoring average on both occasions in February, the Bulls pulled in their 40 boards on the 26th and gave up half the number of turnovers. On the game, guard CJ Massinburg scored 23-points while forward Nick Perkins stepped in for 25-points.
After a win this season, Buffalo is 14-11-1 ATS, covering 56% of the time.
