The Akron Zips (11-4) are 4.5-point favorites as they try to extend a three-game win streak when they visit the Ball State Cardinals (6-9) on Friday, February 19, 2021 at Worthen Arena. The matchup airs at 7:00 PM ET on CBS Sports. The point total is 142.5 in the matchup.
The betting insights and predictions in this article reflect betting data from FanDuel as of February 19, 2021, 2:16 AM ET.
Betting Odds
| Favorite | Spread | Favorite Spread Odds | Underdog Spread Odds | Total | Over Total Odds | Under Total Odds |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Akron | -4.5 | -106 | -116 | 142.5 | -116 | -106 |
Keys to the Game for Akron
- Akron beat the spread more often than not this season, going 8-5 against the spread.
- The Zips record against the spread as at least a 4.5-point favorite is above .500 at 4-3.
- The Zips usually hit the over, covering the point total in 7 out of 13 games (53.8%).
Against the Spread (ATS) records are only reflective of games that had odds on them.
Akron Leaders
- Loren Cristian Jackson leads the Zips in points and assists per game, scoring 21.4 points and distributing 6.4 assists.
- Akron’s best rebounder is Enrique Freeman, who averages 9.4 boards per game in addition to his 7.8 PPG average.
- Bryan Trimble Jr. contributes the bulk of the Zips’ three-point shooting production. He knocks down 3.5 threes per game to lead the team.
- Jackson and Freeman lead the Zips on the defensive end, with Jackson leading the team in steals averaging 0.9 per game and Freeman in blocks averaging 1.6 per contest.
Keys to the Game for Ball State
- The Cardinals have a 5-9 record against the spread, covering in only 35.7% of their outings.
- The Cardinals have fared well as a 4.5-point underdog, going 2-1 against the spread when they are at least 4.5-point underdogs.
- In most of Ball State’s games this year, the teams have combined to hit the over (8 out of 14 games, 57.1%).
Against the Spread (ATS) records are only reflective of games that had odds on them.
Ball State Leaders
- K.J. Walton is at the top of the Cardinals scoring and rebounding leaderboards with 15.7 points per game and 5.8 rebounds per game this season.
- The Ball State leader in assists is Ishmael El-Amin with 3.1 assists per game.
- El-Amin connects on 2.1 three-pointers per game, the top mark for the Cardinals.
- The Cardinals leaders in steals and blocks are El-Amin (1.6 steals per game) and Blake Huggins (0.8 blocks per game).
Computer Picks
Pick ATS:
Cardinals (+4.5)
Pick OU:
Over (142.5)
Prediction: Akron 74, Ball State 71
Predictions are calculated by a data-driven algorithm (raw power score) that ranks head-to-head matchup results within a closed network of games. Prediction confidence is determined by the delta between each team’s raw power score.
Head to Head
The Zips have a 2-1 record in the last three games with the Cardinals. In those games against the Cardinals, the Zips have a 2-0 record against the spread.
Against The Spread (ATS) records are only reflective of games that had odds on them.
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