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Akron vs. Western Michigan Prediction and Odds (Go Under in Kalamazoo)

By Ben Heisler

Akron Zips forward Ali Ali (24) brings down an offensive rebound against the Kent State Golden Flashes
Akron Zips forward Ali Ali (24) brings down an offensive rebound against the Kent State Golden Flashes / Jeff Lange / USA TODAY NETWORK
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After 14 straight losses, the Western Michigan Broncos are trying to start a winning streak for the first time since late November. The Broncos beat up on Central Michigan on Saturday 77-63 and look to make it two straight tonight at home against the Akron Zips

Akron has had a solid season thus far, going 9-4 in the MAC and 16-7 over all. A win tonight would tie them with Kent State who sits just two back of the top spot behind both Ohio and Toledo.

Here are the latest odds over at WynnBET Sportsbook.

Akron vs. Western Michigan Odds, Spread and Total

Spread:

  • Akron -9 (-110)
  • Western Michigan +9 (-110)

Moneyline:

  • Akron -500
  • Western Michigan +375

Total:

129 (OVER -110 | UNDER -110)

Akron vs. Western Michigan Prediction and Pick

I'm tempted to back the Broncos after getting their first win of the season in very convincing fashion. The Broncos came out on fire scoring 47 points in the first half, while limiting the Chippewas to just 24 points on the road. Part of that was their success from the three-point line, shooting 13-27 on the day at 48%, far above their season average of 32.7%.

However, I'm sticking with the numbers and backing the under, which has ticked down a point from its opening line of 130.

Both of these teams are incredibly slow, ranking second to last and last in the MAC in pace. The key is Akron being far more efficient, and should be able to take advantage of a Western Michigan team that hasn't defended well up until the last few games of the season.

Akron's defense has also been impressive over their last four games, giving up no more than 66 points. The problem for them is their scoring hasn't gotten going either, averaging just 67.75 per game.

Neither of these teams shoot particularly well from the charity stripe either, giving a slight edge to the over hitting if this game ends up being closer than some would expect.

While the over hit the last time these two teams played, it was a very close game as the Zips hung on 74-73 just under a month ago in Akron. With the total listed where it is, oddsmakers don't have much faith that another high scoring game is coming. I'll back the books and take under.

LEAN: Akron vs. Western Michigan UNDER 129 (-110)

Follow all of Ben Heisler's betting picks in real-time HERE!

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