On Saturday, two Mid-American Conference archrivals meet on the court in Ypsilanti, Michigan when the Akron Zips (9-5, 2-0 MAC) visit Gervin GameAbove Center to play the Eastern Michigan Eagles (7-7, 1-1 MAC). Akron defeated Central Michigan 87-71 this past Tuesday. The Zips have won two straight and three of the last four. Eastern Michigan lost to Toledo 90-87 this past Tuesday and the Eagles have lost five of the last seven. Akron is 2-0 in MAC play while Eastern Michigan is 1-1. Akron and Eastern Michigan do not have any players listed on their injury reports.
Let's take an in-depth look at this Akron Zips vs Eastern Michigan Eagles prediction
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Akron's offense is its key to success
The Akron Zips are scoring an average of 80.5 points per game and allowing an average of 72.7 points per game, which are 69th and 227th respectively. Akron is shooting 42.9% overall which is 287th and 35.0% from 3-point territory, which is 121st Akron's defense holds opponents 43.2% shooting overall which is 182nd, and 33.3% shooting from 3-point territory, which is 212th.
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Tulare Johnson scores an average of 12.5 points per game to lead Akron on 40.8% shooting and Nate Johnson is second averaging 11.6 points per game on 40.3% shooting. Johnson is the dish leader with an average of 3.4 assists per game and is the leader in steals with an average of 1.4 per game. Akron averages 80.4 rebounds per game and the king of the boards is James Okonkwo with an average of 8.6 rebounds per game. Okonkwo is the rim protector with an average of 1.2 blocked shots per game.
Eastern Michigan’s offense cannot keep pace with what the defense allows
The Eastern Michigan Eagles score an average of 72.1 points per game and allow an average of 76.5 points per game, which are 256th and 307th respectively. Eastern Michigan shoots 45.3% overall which is 169th and 33.5% from 3-point territory which is 198th. Eastern Michigan's defense allows opponents to shoot 46.8% overall which is 331st and 38.3% from 3-point territory which is 359th.
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De’Sean Nelson scores an average of 16.0 points per game to lead Eastern Michigan on 52.8% shooting and Jalen Terry is second with an average of 15.8 points per game on 45.6% shooting. Eastern Michigan has two other players averaging double figures in scoring. Christian Henry is the dish leader with an average of 3.7 assists per game. Eastern Michigan averages only 32.5 rebounds per game led by Nelson with an average of 5.8 per game. Terry is the leader in steals with an average of 1.5 per game and Jalen Billingsley is the rim protector with an average of 0.7 blocked shots per game.
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Best Bets for Akron vs. Eastern Michigan (EMU)
Full-Game Side Bet
Insiders Status:
The Akron Zips, who score an average of 80.5 points per game which is 69th in the nation, will take advantage of a below-average Eastern Michigan defense that allows opponents an average of 76.5 points per game which is 307th. Akron's strength on offense is three-point shooting, hitting 35% of their long-range attempts and Eastern Michigan's weak link on defense is its perimeter defense, which allows opponents 38.3% shooting from beyond the arc. Akron has covered the spread in four of the last five games versus Eastern Michigan. Eastern Michigan has covered the spread in just two of its last seven games and just one of its last five games played at home. Eastern Michigan's offense, which averages only 72.1 points per game, will not keep pace with Akron's offense.
Full-Game Total Pick
Insiders Status:
The total has finished under in four of Akron’s last five games, all of Akron's last five games on the road against Eastern Michigan, and six of Eastern Michigan's last seven games against a MAC opponent. Akron has a very high adjusted tempo per KenPom of 71.5 which is 41st but Eastern Michigan is only 169th at 68.5 and the two combined will result in a lower scoring outcome.
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