Who's Playing
Akron @ Ball State
Current Records: Akron 9-5; Ball State 10-4
What to Know
The Ball State Cardinals haven't won a game against the Akron Zips since Feb. 16 of 2019, but they'll be looking to end the drought Friday. Ball State and Akron will face off in a Mid-American battle at 8:30 p.m. ET at John E. Worthen Arena. The Cardinals are out to keep their five-game home win streak alive.
The Toledo Rockets typically have all the answers at home, but on Tuesday Ball State proved too difficult a challenge. Ball State came out on top against Toledo by a score of 90-83. Ball State's guard Demarius Jacobs looked sharp as he had 25 points.
Meanwhile, the Zips made easy work of the Northern Illinois Huskies on Tuesday and carried off a 76-51 win. Akron can attribute much of their success to forward Enrique Freeman, who posted a double-double on 27 points and 15 boards.
Barring any buzzer beaters, Ball State is expected to win a tight contest. They have been consistent moneymakers against the spread when favored (4-2), so they might be worth a quick bet.
The wins brought Ball State up to 10-4 and Akron to 9-5. A pair of offensive stats to keep in the back of your head while watching: The Cardinals rank 22nd in college basketball when it comes to field goal percentage, with 49% on the season. On the other end of the spectrum, the Zips have only been able to knock down 41.90% percent of their shots, which is the 46th lowest field goal percentage in college basketball. We'll see if Ball State's 7.10% advantage translates to a win.
How To Watch
- When: Friday at 8:30 p.m. ET
- Where: John E. Worthen Arena -- Muncie, Indiana
- TV: CBS Sports Network
- Live Stream: CBSSports.com or fuboTV (Try for free. Regional restrictions may apply.)
- Watch on your Phone: CBS Sports App
- Watch on Connected TV: CBS Sports App on Roku and Fire TV
- Ticket Cost: $22.00
Odds
The Cardinals are a slight 2-point favorite against the Zips, according to the latest college basketball odds.
The oddsmakers were right in line with the betting community on this one, as the game opened as a 2-point spread, and stayed right there.
Over/Under: -110
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Series History
Akron have won eight out of their last 11 games against Ball State.
- Mar 01, 2022 - Akron 79 vs. Ball State 60
- Jan 11, 2022 - Akron 84 vs. Ball State 74
- Feb 19, 2021 - Akron 88 vs. Ball State 79
- Jan 30, 2021 - Akron 74 vs. Ball State 42
- Jan 10, 2020 - Akron 75 vs. Ball State 60
- Feb 16, 2019 - Ball State 57 vs. Akron 56
- Feb 13, 2018 - Ball State 90 vs. Akron 77
- Jan 27, 2018 - Ball State 111 vs. Akron 106
- Mar 10, 2017 - Akron 74 vs. Ball State 70
- Feb 07, 2017 - Akron 65 vs. Ball State 63
- Jan 30, 2016 - Akron 73 vs. Ball State 64
