The Akron Zips take on the Ball State Cardinals in Muncie, IN. Tip-off is set for 6:30 p.m. ET on CBS Sports Network.
Akron is favored by 13.5 points on the spread with a moneyline of -1300. The total is set at 145.5 points.
Here’s my Akron vs. Ball State prediction and college basketball picks for February 20, 2026.
Akron vs Ball State Prediction
My Pick: Akron -13.5 (Play to -15)
My Akron vs Ball State best bet is on the Zips to cover the spread. For all of your college basketball bets, be sure to find the best lines by using our live NCAAB odds page.
Akron vs. Ball State Odds
| Akron Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-14.5 -110 | 146 -110o / -110u | -1600 |
| Ball State Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+14.5 -110 | 146 -110o / -110u | +900 |
Akron vs Ball State Betting Preview
Akron Basketball
Akron comes in off a dominant road performance on Tuesday against Western Michigan, where the Zips scored 53 first-half points and led by as many as 23 in the second half.
Akron is now 12-1 in MAC play, and while Miami (OH) gets a lot of attention nationally, I believe the Zips are the most athletic and talented team in this conference.
A strong close is expected for Akron in the regular season, and I won't be surprised if it's the betting favorite to win the MAC.
The offense is explosive and can score both in transition and in the half-court. Tavari Johnson leads all Zips, averaging 20.3 points per game, while Amani Lyles averages 14.6 and Shammah Scott puts up 12.7. The Mahaffey brothers (Evan and Eric) are key contributors offensively, with each averaging over eight points and five rebounds per contest.
Six players have made at least 20 shots from deep, and the unselfish nature of this team has resulted in seven different players being able to torch opponents on any given night.
The Akron defense has been outstanding this season in league play, as the Zips are the most efficient stop unit in the MAC.
Akron leads the conference in defensive field goal percentage and 2-point defense, while ranking second in turnovers registered.
The pressure results in easy looks on the offensive end, allowing for Akron to really be able to put it on you quickly. I'll be interested to see how Ball State handles the pressure.
Ball State Basketball
Ball State comes in as losers of five of its last six games. The only victory during that stretch was a non-conference battle with UL Monroe, but for the majority of conference play, the Cardinals have been largely non-competitive.
Michael Lewis has seen his win total decrease every season as head coach, and there's a real chance Ball State doesn’t post another victory this season.
The offense is led by Davion Hill and Armoni Zeigler, who each average 12 points per game. Devon Barnes and Joey Hart each score nine points per contest for the MAC’s second-least efficient offense.
Ball State has struggled to shoot the ball all season, and it's a poor offensive rebounding team. Missed shots generally equal empty possessions, and lately the Cardinals have had a lot of them.
The defense has been roughed up pretty badly in league play, particularly from outside. Ball State opponents are making 39% of their 3-point attempts while often finding good looks.
Ball State struggles in the post and has to collapse when faced with paint touches. It just doesn't have a domineering figure in the paint to block or alter shots and protect the rim.
This will be an issue against Akron on Friday.
Akron vs. Ball State Betting Analysis
This line opened Akron -13.5 with a total set at 146.5. I'm going to lay it with the Zips here.
Akron has so much more athleticism than Ball State, which will gamble a bit defensively in an attempt to try to force steals and errant passes.
The over pursuit could lead to open shots at the rim or kick-out 3-point shots for Akron, which should be able to score a ton of points. Johnson and Lyles should see a lot of touches and have chances at the rim and the foul line.
I'm not confident that Ball State is going to be able to make enough shots to keep up. We have a bit of a pace war; one Ball State might win, but if shots aren’t falling, this is going to be trouble.
Ball State is the worst 2-point shooting team in the MAC and third-worst in deep shots. Akron leads the MAC in defensive field goal percentage and also excels at forcing turnovers or low percentage shots deep into the possession clock.
Ball State is going to see too many empty possessions, and while Zeigler scored 30 points in the first matchup, it's unlikely he's going to be able to provide a duplicate of that performance again, as he's been in a shooting funk and hasn’t scored more than 11 points in a game all month.
Akron has too much athletic talent and speed on the wings to really be tested. The Zips showed earlier in the week that they were fully locked in with a dominant road win against Western Michigan, and I think we see another one here.
I expect Akron to win and cover without being stressed late.
My Pick: Akron -13.5 (Play to -15)
