Akron vs. Toledo Prediction: Can Enrique Freeman, Zips Earn Season Sweep Against Rival Rockets?
The Akron Zips will take on the Toledo Rockets on Tuesday night for the second time this month. Can Enrique Freeman and the Zips complete the season sweep against the Rockets? Ben Rajavuori breaks down this rivalry and provides his pick against the spread in Akron vs. Toledo.
Ben Rajavuori - February 20, 2024, 5:10 PM EST
5 minAkron vs. Toledo Prediction: Can Enrique Freeman, Zips Earn Season Sweep Against Rival Rockets?
The Akron Zips travel to Toledo, Ohio tonight to take on the Toledo Rockets. The Zips and Rockets are first and second in the Mid-American Conference, with Akron holding a conference record of 11-1, and Toledo not far behind them with a record of 10–2. Akron is sitting with a strong record of 19–6 this season overall, while Toledo is just behind them with a record of 16–9. However, Toledo has played very well at home, sporting a 10–2 record in their home gym this season. What should we expect in this game?
Akron vs. Toledo DATE, TIME, AND WHERE TO WATCH
- Date: February 20, 2024
- Game Time: 7:00 pm ET
- Where to Watch: ESPN+
Akron vs. Toledo ODDS
- Spread: Akron +2.5 (-110), Toledo -2.5 (-110)
- Total Odds: O 150.5 (-110), U 150.5 (-113)
- Moneyline Odds: Akron (+115), Toledo (-130)
Akron vs. Toledo Prediction
Toledo is having another very good season, but they have stiff competition with Akron if they want to win the MAC conference this year. Toledo had one of the best offenses in the country last year, but most of that production is gone this year. Last year, Toledo was led by RayJ Dennis, who scored 19.5 points per game. Behind him were seniors, Setric Millner Jr. and JT Shumate, who both had 16 points per game. Dennis transferred to Baylor for his final season this year, while Millner Jr. and Shumate graduated. This left a large hole in the Rockets that they have had to fill this season, which has had mixed results. Ra'Heim Moss leads them with 16.4 points per game, while Dante Maddox Jr. is second on the team with 15.9 points per game. While they still have good scorers, the Rockets play horrible defense. They rank 277th in defensive efficiency per KenPom. The Zips are having one of their best seasons in years. They are 11-1 to start conference play, with their lone loss coming to Miami (OH) on the road. If Akron were to win a conference title in any year, this year would be it. They are loaded with senior talent, and are one of the most experienced D1 teams in the country. All five starters are seniors, with most of them playing in their fifth season of college basketball. The Zips are led by Enrique Freeman, who is scoring 18.3 points per game. Ali Ali is second on the team with 15.7 points per game, and transferred back to Akron after playing for Butler last season. While the Zips have a balanced offense, they are actually a better team defensively, as they rank 73rd in defensive efficiency per KenPom. They are rated as the top defense in the MAC, and are holding opponents to 26% from three in conference play. That is an important detail to note against Toledo, who is a very good perimeter shooting team. Toledo is averaging 37.5% from three on the season, and has been one of the better three-point shooting teams in the country. In their first meeting of the season, they lost on the road at Akron by a score of 77–70, and Toledo shot just 2–12 from three in that game. Akron has great perimeter defense and can really take away the three ball from opposing teams, which is part of their formula for beating Toledo in this game as they did back on their home court. I tend to side with a better defensive team in college basketball, especially when it’s a good defense on the road, as good defense travels well. Akron is a very experienced group and has shown an ability to win on the road this season, as they are 5-1 on the road in conference play this season. Akron should find a way to score on this porous Toledo defense and continue to limit Toledo’s three-point looks, which will make it difficult for their offense to score in this game. Back Akron to get the season sweep tonight.
Akron vs. Toledo Prediction
Pick: Akron +2.5 (-110) Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds
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