Akron Zips' Dominant Defense Set to Stifle Rockets in Highly Anticipated Conference Matchup

Game outlook

The Akron Zips and the Toledo Rockets will face off in a highly anticipated conference matchup on Friday night at James A. Rhodes Arena in Akron, OH. Both teams currently share the top spot in the Mid-American Conference, with identical conference records of 8-1. The Rockets have been on a winning streak, securing three consecutive victories, including a recent win against the Western Michigan Broncos. The Zips have also been performing well, winning four out of their last five games and most recently defeating the Eastern Michigan Eagles. The game is set to tip-off at 9:00 p.m. EST. Akron is considered the betting favorite, opening at -5, with the current line now at Akron -4.

Betting Odds

Moneyline: Rockets +165 | Zips -195

Spread: Rockets +4 (-110) | Zips -4 (-110)

Total: Over/Under 147 (-110)

Based on the moneyline, the implied probability that Akron will win straight-up is 66%.

Toledo Rockets

The Toledo Rockets have been performing strongly in recent games, winning eight out of their last 10 matchups. They are entering this upcoming contest with a three-game win streak, aiming to secure another significant conference victory and extend their streak. In their previous game against the Western Michigan Broncos, the Rockets dominated with a score of 88-63. Javan Simmons led the team with 19 points and six rebounds, while Ra'Heim Moss contributed 15 points, five rebounds, and three steals. Toledo exhibited excellent shooting percentages, with 63.5% from the field, 36.4% from beyond the arc, and 81.8% from the free throw line. They also showcased their abilities in other areas of the game, earning 31 rebounds, 17 assists, and 10 steals. The Rockets excelled in the paint, managing to score 52 of their 88 points from that area, while an additional 24 points came from turnovers. Throughout this season, Toledo maintains an average of 79.6 points per game, shooting 48% from field goal range, 76% from the free throw line, and 37.1% from beyond the arc. They also average 33.4 rebounds, 13 assists, 7.5 steals, and 2.3 blocks per game. Defensively, the Rockets allow an average of 75.5 points per game and commit 11 turnovers. Moss leads the team in scoring, averaging 16.3 points per game while shooting 47.3% from the field. Tyler Cochran is their rebounding leader, averaging 6.6 rebounds per game and contributing 13.2 points, 2.2 assists, and 2.1 steals per game. According to their power ranking of 9, Toledo is ranked 64th in offense, scoring an average of 79.15 points per game. Defensively, they are ranked 295th, allowing an average of 76.10 points per game to be scored against them. In terms of percentages, the Rockets hit 47.40% of their field goals, 75.70% of their free throws, and 37.13% of their three-pointers. They average 33.25 rebounds, 12.60 offensive assists, and 10.75 turnovers per game. Defensively, they allow opponents to make 48.57% of their field goals, 74. Junior @captaintc23 becomes the third Rocket in double figures. Tyler with 12 pts. (6-of-7 FG) & 6 reb. including this bucket. WMU 49 TOLEDO 73 7:43 rem./2H 📺 - ESPN+ ( https://t.co/fFQyFQitav ) pic.twitter.com/Ah8uKZ8hep