Akron Zips at Nevada Wolf Pack ATS Prediction 12/22/18

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The sixth-ranked Nevada Wolf Pack (11-0) and their phenomenal offense welcome the Akron Zips (7-4) and their exceptional defense. Action begins at 7 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 22, 2018, and can be seen on ESPN 3.

Akron Zips at Nevada Wolf Pack ATS Odds

Both teams were victorious in their last game. The Wolf Pack defeated the BYU Cougars 86-70, while the Zips dismantled the Cedarville Yellow Jackets 70-50.

Akron played a perfect 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. Nevada, on the other hand, dominated every facet of their game. They had a free throw rate of 0.424 and an offensive rebounding percentage of 23.9. For those same stats, BYU had marks of 0.174 and 19.6, respectively. Nevada was lifted by Jordan Caroline, who contributed 25 points and 16 rebounds. Jimond Ivey played a key role for Akron with 12 points and 11 rebounds.

Caleb Martin has really been playing well as of late for Nevada, averaging 0 points over the last five games.

This matchup pits one of the nation’s top offenses against one of its elite defenses. Nevada currently ranks 11th in offensive efficiency and Akron ranks 28th in defensive efficiency. Ball protection should be an advantage for the Zips. They rank 12th at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 15.5 percent). Conversely, the Wolf Pack force the 65th-fewest turnovers in the country (opponents’ turnover percentage of 17.3 percent).

Akron Zips at Nevada Wolf Pack Free Pick

Prediction: SU Winner – Nevada, ATS Winner – Akron, O/U – Over

Betting Notes:

  • Akron ranks 11th in three pointers attempted per game (29.5) while Nevada ranks 205th in three pointers allowed per game (25.0).
  • The Wolf Pack rank 59th in rebounds per game (38.6) while the Zips rank 83rd in rebounds allowed per game (33.5).
  • Nevada allows the seventh-fewest steals per game (4.3) while Akron ranks 20th (4.8).
  • The Zips rank third in assists allowed per game (8.4) while the Wolf Pack rank 120th (13.2).
  • Nevada ranks 48th in blocks per game (4.3) while Akron ranks 131st (2.6).

Bettings Trends:

  • During their last five games, the Zips have scored an average of 78.4 points per game (2.9 above their season average) and allowed an average of 62.0 points per game (0.6 above their season average).
  • The Wolf Pack’s average margin of victory in their last five games has been 22.2, up from 16.2 for the season.