The Northern Illinois Huskies (9-6, 2-0 MAC) and their outstanding offense host the Akron Zips (9-6, 1-1 MAC) and their exceptional defense. The game is scheduled to start at 4:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 12, 2019.
Akron Zips at Northern Illinois Huskies ATS Odds
In their last matchup, the Huskies beat the Miami (OH) RedHawks, 83-70, while the Zips lost a tough one against the Central Michigan Chippewas, 88-86.
The Huskies had a fantastic effective field goal percentage of 0.663 (above their season average of 0.560) and had an offensive rebounding percentage of 43.5 (above their season average of 31.1). Akron, meanwhile, had a turnover percentage of 8.0 (better than their season average of 13.7). Northern Illinois’ Dante Thorpe played well, finishing with 24 points, seven rebounds and five assists. Akron, meanwhile, was lifted by Jimond Ivey, who put up 24 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists.
The Zips won the only contest between these two teams last year, 82-67. Akron made 15 of its 31 three pointers (48.4 percent). Northern Illinois, meanwhile, did a great job of making free throws (25-33; 75.8 percent). This will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams.
Ivey has been impressive as of late for Akron, averaging 14 points,3.2 assists,1.2 steals over the last five games.
The game should be a battle of strength against strength as the high-octane offense of Northern Illinois (34th in the country with an offensive efficiency of 114.5) takes on the top-notch defense of Akron (32nd in the country with a defensive efficiency of 92.1).
Akron vs. Northern Illinois Odds Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Northern Illinois, ATS Winner – Northern Illinois, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Akron ranks sixth in three pointers attempted per game (29.9) while Northern Illinois ranks 218th (19.5).
- The Zips are 13th in the NCAA with 4.8 steals allowed per game while the Huskies are 32nd with 5.3 steals allowed per game.
- Akron allows the 30th-fewest blocks per game (2.5) while Northern Illinois ranks 46th (2.7).
- The Zips rank seventh in assists allowed per game (9.5) while the Huskies rank 199th (15.1).
- Northern Illinois ranks 27th in rebounds allowed per game (31.2) while Akron ranks 123rd (34.9).
Bettings Trends:
- The Huskies’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 5.8, down from 6.9 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Zips have scored an average of 73.6 points per game (0.9 below their season average) and allowed an average of 63.8 points per game (1.5 above their season average).
