The Akron Zips (11-6, 3-1 MAC) battle the Central Michigan Chippewas (7-10, 2-2) Tuesday. Tip from McGuirk Arena is set for 7 p.m. ET (ESPN+). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Akron vs. Central Michigan odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.
Central Michigan beat Buffalo 87-78 Saturday, covering as a 5-point home underdog. The Chippewas are 5-2 straight up (SU) at home and 8-7 against the spread (ATS) this season. They are 4-5 ATS over their last 9. Central Michigan’s strength is defense, ranking 93rd in the nation in opponents’ field goal percentage (41.5%).
Akron thrashed Eastern Michigan 104-67 at home Friday, scoring 58 points in the 2nd half en route to an easy cover as a 13.5-point favorite. The Zips are just 5-10 ATS this season despite being 9-0 SU at home. They are 2-2 ATS over their last 4 games. Their strength is defense, ranking 35th in opponents’ points per game (63.1).
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Akron at Central Michigan odds
Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 10 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Akron -525 (bet $525 to win $100) | Central Michigan +365 (bet $100 to win $365)
- Against the spread (ATS): Akron -9.5 (-110) | Central Michigan +9.5 (-110)
- Over/Under (O/U): 132.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)
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Akron at Central Michigan picks and predictions
Prediction
Akron 71, Central Michigan 63
Moneyline
PASS.
There’s no value here on either team.
Against the spread
BET CENTRAL MICHIGAN +9.5 (-110).
Akron has been one of the worst covering teams in the MAC this season, posting a 5-10 ATS record. It is just 1-3 straight up on the road as well as 0-4 ATS away from home.
Central Michigan is 8-7 ATS this season and 3-2 ATS at home. It is also 5-2 straight up at home. The Chippewas have covered 3 of their last 5 as well. Both teams are 2-2 ATS in conference games.
Considering the Zips’ poor showing away from home, back CENTRAL MICHIGAN +9.5 (-110).
Over/Under
LEAN OVER 132.5 (-115).
While neither team has consistently hit the Over this season, they each have been better at it lately. Akron is 3-0 O/U in its last 3 games and put up 104 on Eastern Michigan in its last outing.
Central Michigan went Over against Buffalo, scoring 87 points. Combined, the teams are 4-4 O/U in conference play, and both average more than 68 points per game.
Ultimately, back the OVER 132.5 (-115).
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