The two best teams in the MAC square off in the conference tournament championship game today at Rocket Arena when Akron and Miami (OH)’s flashy offenses clash in Cleveland in what should be a high-scoring game.
With these teams possessing two of the better mid-major offenses and having already combined to hit an Over with ease in the regular season, my Miami (OH) vs. Akron predictions expect another high-flying affair in the MAC championship.
Read on for my college basketball picks for Saturday, March 15,
Who will win Miami (OH) vs Akron?
John Groce has this Akron team looking ready to go on a Cinderella run in the NCAA Tournament if they can beat Miami (OH) for the second time this season. The last time these two teams took the hardwood, the Zips stomped the RedHawks to the tune of a 102-75 win. This time around, I think Akron wins a closer matchup 89-81.
Miami (OH) vs Akron prediction
My best bet: Over 156 (-110 at bet365)
The last time these two teams played, they blew past a game total that was set at 156.5, and they should be able to hit the Over again in another high-scoring game.
The Akron Zips have a dynamic offense that’s 71st in the country adjusted offensive efficiency, per KenPom.
They’re scoring the sixth-most points per game in the country (84.8) and the most in MAC play (86.4) behind an offense that leads the conference in field goal percentage (49.9%) and assists per game (18.6).
While no one player hogs the spotlight for Groce’s offense, he has three different players scoring in the double digits in MAC play, with Nate Johnson taking his game up a notch against conference opponents.
Johnson was named MAC Player of the Year this season and shot better than 66% in the last game against the Miami (OH) RedHawks.
Thanks to this guard-heavy lineup led by Johnson, the Zips should be able to expose a Miami (OH) defense that’s 172nd in adjusted efficiency and ranks outside the top six in the conference in field goals allowed per game (59.3), 2-point percentage allowed (51.4%), and made free throws allowed (15.0).
However, Miami (OH) makes up for its defense by leaning on an offense that’s second in MAC play in PPG (80.8), field goal percentage (47.9%), and leads the conference in 3-point percentage (39.4%).
The guard combo of Kim Craft and Peter Super is one of the best at the mid-major level.
Craft, in particular, should be able to create issues with how efficient he’s been as a shooter from behind the arc this season. He’s hitting 2.8 threes per game at a ridiculous 43.5% clip and is 11-for-19 from deep in the MAC tournament.
Unlike MACtion football, this game should have plenty of scoring.
Miami (OH) vs Akron same-game parlay (SGP)
Over 156
Akron Zips TT Over 84.5 points
Akron Zips -6
The Zips have been unstoppable against MAC teams this season, they’ve put up 88-plus points in four straight games.
That includes going for 96 against Bowling Green and 100 against Toledo in MAC tournament games.
That offense is why the Zips should ultimately win this game and punch their ticket to the Big Dance.
Akron pulled away from the RedHawks with ease in the last matchup, so winning by seven-plus points this time seems likely.
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Miami (OH) vs Akron odds
Miami (OH) vs Akron live odds
Miami (OH) vs Akron opening odds
- Spread: Miami (OH) +6 (-110) | Akron -6 (-110)
- Moneyline: Miami (OH) (+205) | Akron (-250)
- Over/Under: Over 157 | Under 157
Odds courtesy of bet365
Miami (OH) vs Akron betting trend to know
Akron has hit the game total Over in 19 of its last 34 games (+3.55 Units / 9% ROI). Find more college basketball betting trends for Miami (OH) vs. Akron.
How to watch Miami (OH) vs Akron
| Location | Rocket Arena, Cleveland, OH |
| Date | Saturday, 3-15-2025 |
| Tip-off | 7:30 p.m. ET |
| TV | ESPN2 |
Miami (OH) vs Akron key injuries
Not intended for use in MA.
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