Akron Zips vs Western Michigan Broncos Picks and Prediction for Tuesday, February 17, 2026
Use Code PPWC
Akron travels to Kalamazoo to face Western Michigan on Tuesday night. The Zips are 20-5 overall and 11-1 in MAC play, sitting in 1st place in the conference after a 99-92 win over UMass. Western Michigan is 9-16 overall and 3-9 in MAC action, currently in 10th place in the standings following a 76-62 road win at Eastern Michigan. Cash your next ticket with our free college basketball picks.
Game Information
- Date: Tuesday, February 17
- Time: 7:00 PM ET
- Location: University Arena (MI) (Kalamazoo, MI)
- TV: ESPN+
Akron Zips Outlook
Akron is an offensive machine at 89.9 points per game on 50% shooting, but it’s allowing an average of 74.9, which hurts if the Zips are not shooting well. Tavari Johnson is the scoring leader and playmaker, averaging 20.5 points and 5.2 assists per game, and shoots an impressive 52.9% overall. Amani Lyles is the top rebounder at 7.2 per game and also the No. 2 scorer, averaging 4.7 points, giving Akron a strong inside-out balance.
The Zips also share it well (19.2 assists per game), which is why scoring droughts are rare. Evan Mahaffey sets the tone defensively, leading the team in steals (1.8) and blocks (0.7), and Akron’s defense averages 7.6 steals per game overall. The Zips do not have any players listed on their injury report.
Key Stats – Per Game
- Points: 89.9
- Points Allowed: 74.9
- Field Goal %: 50%
- Rebounds: 37.7
- Assists: 19.2
- Steals: 7.6
- Blocks: 3.2
Western Michigan Broncos Outlook
Western Michigan averages 74.8 points per game on 44% shooting and allows an average of 79.3, which puts pressure on the offense to produce. Jalen Griffith leads the Broncos, averaging 12.9 points per game and also paces the team in assists at 3.7 per game, while Jayden Brewer is the leading rebounder, averaging 6.6 per game and second in scoring, averaging 12.6 points. Justice Williams (15.3 ppg in 12 games) can also spike the scoring when shooting well.
Sign Up Get $30 Premium Picks Credit + Exclusive Offers
Subscribe Now
Defensively, Brewer is also the top shot-blocking threat (1.0 bpg), while Griffith leads the team in steals (1.0 spg). Western Michigan likes to keep turnovers down, rebound well, and hit enough threes to trade with higher-powered offenses. The Broncos do not have any players listed on their injury report.
Key Stats – Per Game
- Points: 74.8
- Points Allowed: 79.3
- Field Goal %: 44%
- Rebounds: 36.9
- Assists: 13.2
- Steals: 5.0
- Blocks: 2.6
Akron Zips vs Western Michigan Broncos Prediction
Akron’s ball distribution and strong shooting will be the difference makers in this matchup, especially with Johnson and Lyles creating looks and the Zips piling up assists. Western Michigan can score enough to hang around, but Akron’s ability to generate clean shots possession after possession will help the Zips build a lead during the second half. Final Score Prediction: Akron Zips win and cover ATS, 86-74.
Betting on College Basketball?
- Join Picks and Parlays premium for free and get a free $30 coupon with code FREE30
- Get started and wager on college hoops today with our favorite online sportsbooks
- Claim a CBB betting bonus offer with the best sportsbook promos
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
New Users – Bet $5 Get $200 in Bet Reset Tokens for 5 Days
New DraftKings Customers: Spend $5+ Get $200 in Bonuses Instantly!
Best Picks
- Akron Zips
- Over
