Akron Zips vs Miami (OH) RedHawks Picks and Predictions for Saturday, January 3, 2026
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Akron heads to Oxford to face Miami (OH) on Saturday afternoon. The Zips are 10-3 overall and 1-0 in MAC play, coming off a 115-64 win over Concordia. Miami (OH) is 14-0 overall and 2-0 in conference, coming off a 93-83 road win over Bowling Green. Cash a winning ticket with our free college basketball picks.
Akron vs Miami (OH) Game Information
- Date: Saturday, January 3
- Time: 3:30 PM ET
- Location: Millett Hall, Oxford, OH
- TV: ESPN+
Akron Zips Outlook
Akron has been overwhelming teams with pace and shooting, posting 97.1 points per game and shooting 53% from the field. Tavari Johnson is the leading scorer, averaging 20.5 points per game on 56.1% shooting while also leading the team with 5.1 assists per game. Amani Lyles gives them a strong interior presence at 6.4 rebounds per game and adds another reliable scoring option at 15.2 points per game.
Where Akron has to be careful is on the defensive side against a strong opponent. The Zips allow 76.8 points per game and can get pulled into high-paced games that become track meets. Akron takes care of the ball, averaging only 9.8 turnovers per game, and that matters here because Miami (OH) thrives when in transition off steals.
Key Stats Per Game
- Points: 97.1
- Points Allowed: 76.8
- Rebounds: 39.0
- Assists: 21.1
- Steals: 8.0
- Blocks: 3.5
- Turnovers: 9.8
Miami (OH) RedHawks Outlook
Miami (OH) has been the MAC’s most consistent team through the first half of the season, sitting at 14-0 while scoring 94.9 points per game and shooting 55% from the field. Brant Byers leads the scoring at 14.6 points per game, but the bigger strength is balance: four players average at least 12.7 points, and the offense spreads shots across multiple options. Peter Suder has been a major factor with 12.7 points per game and 3.8 assists, while Luke Skaljac provides steady playmaking at 4.2 assists per game.
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The RedHawks also defend better than Akron on paper, allowing 71.9 points per game, and they usually play with control. Turnovers are not bad, but could improve at 11.0 per game. Miami (OH) converts a high percentage of shots, making the Redhawks less reliable on offensive rebounding.
Key Stats Per Game
- Points: 94.9
- Points Allowed: 71.9
- Rebounds: 36.7
- Assists: 18.1
- Steals: 7.6
- Blocks: 3.3
- Turnovers: 11.0
Akron Zips vs Miami (OH) RedHawks Prediction
Miami (OH) has performed better overall than Akron, with a better defense, strong shooting, and multiple scorers who make it tough for opponents to defend against. Akron can score with Miami (OH), but Miami’s ability to get quality shots, possession after possession, is the difference maker, especially playing at home. Final Score Prediction: Miami (OH) wins and covers ATS, 95-85.
Best Picks
- Miami (OH) RedHawks
- Over
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