A five-game home winning streak is on the line for the Akron Zips (6-3) when they go head-to-head with the Marshall Thundering Herd (6-4) at James A. Rhodes Arena. Action gets underway at 2 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 15, 2018.
Marshall Thundering Herd at Akron Zips ATS Odds
Both teams dismantled their last opponent. The Zips defeated the Cedarville Yellow Jackets 70-50, while the Thundering Herd beat the Eastern Kentucky Colonels 105-77.
The Thundering Herd had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.553 vs. 0.344) and had a better free throw rate (0.276 vs. 0.275). Akron, meanwhile, dominated every facet of their game. They had a free throw rate of 0.183 and an effective field goal percentage of 0.492. For those same stats, Cedarville was 0.016 and 0.389, respectively. Akron received a boost from Jimond Ivey, who had 12 points and 11 rebounds. C.J. Burks was a key piece for Marshall with 30 points.
The Thundering Herd won the only contest between these two teams last year, 86-64. Making free throws was one of Marshall’s largest advantages. They were 16-20 (80.0 percent), while the Zips were just 10-19 (52.6 percent).
Ball security could play a significant role in this showdown. Dating back to the 2017-18 season, Akron has committed the 43rd-fewest miscues in the country (turnover percentage of 19.1 percent), while the gambling defense of Marshall has forced the 13th-most (opponents’ turnover percentage of 20.1 percent). Also, the Thundering Herd rank 303rd in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.242), while the Zips rank 37th in opponents’ FTA rate (0.257).
Marshall Thundering Herd vs. Akron Zips Betting Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Akron, ATS Winner – Akron, O/U – Over
Betting Notes (2017-Present):
- Akron ranks 85th in rebounds per game (34.4) while Marshall ranks 284th in rebounds allowed per game (41.1).
- The Thundering Herd rank 20th in blocks per game (5.6) while the Zips rank 126th (2.7).
- Akron ranks eighth in three pointers attempted per game (27.3) while Marshall ranks 74th in three pointers allowed per game (20.7).
- The Zips rank 19th in steals allowed per game (6.0) while the Thundering Herd rank 203rd (7.0).
- Marshall ranks 37th in assists per game (16.9) while Akron ranks 173rd (13.0).
