The No. 4-seed Akron Zips (22-9) meet the No. 1 Toledo Rockets (26-6) in a Friday Mid-American Conference Tournament semifinal in Cleveland. The contest at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse is slated to tip off at 5 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Akron vs. Toledo odds and lines, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.
Akron beat No. 5 Buffalo, 70-68, Thursday. UA has won six consecutive games, and has an average margin of victory of 10.5 points over that span. The Zips met the Rockets once during the regular season (Jan. 28). Toledo shot 58.9% from the field in winning that game 84-76.
Toledo went 17-3 over 20 MAC games. The Rockets won the MAC West while twice winning five or more league games in a row. They entered this tournament on a five-game run of victories and then squeaked by Central Michigan, 72-71, Thursday (UT was favored by 16).
See also: Ferris Mowers Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports
Akron vs. Toledo odds, spread and lines
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 8:30 a.m. ET.
- Money line: Akron +190 (bet $100 to win $190) | Toledo -240 (bet $240 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Akron +5.5 (-115) | Toledo -5.5 (-107)
- Over/Under (O/U): 138.5 (O: -115 | U: -107)
[tipico]
Akron vs. Toledo odds, lines, picks and predictions
Prediction
Akron 71, Toledo 70
Money line
A youthful Akron squad is trending the right way and with growing confidence. The Zips’ ability to knock down midrange jumpers is quite good, and that’s sometimes a blind spot for this Toledo defense.
UA has locked down improving numbers in turnover rate and free-throw frequency of late. Peg the Zips as a near-40% proposition in this game. So, AKRON (+190) has value.
Against the spread
In its regular-season loss to UT, UA was undone by a 26-7 Rockets run bracketing halftime. The opening 15 minutes were an even exchange, and Akron got within 4 late.
This play may have been more a diamond in the rough and had more value for Akron if Toledo didn’t have a scare Thursday. But AKRON +5.5 (-115) is worth a look.
Over/Under
This Buckeye State series has produced four straight Overs. Akron’s offensive growth has been accompanied by an uptick in pace.
TAKE THE OVER 138.5 (-115).
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