Buffalo Bulls vs Akron Zips Picks and Predictions for Thursday March 12 2026
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The Buffalo Bulls face the Akron Zips in the MAC Championship Quarterfinal on Thursday, March 12, 2026 at Rocket Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. Tip-off is scheduled for 4:00 PM ET with television coverage on ESPN+. Akron enters the matchup as a 12.5-point favorite with the total set at 161.5, and the moneylines were off at the time of this writing. Be sure to also check out our free college basketball picks for more betting insights on today’s college basketball action.
Bulls Hoping to Pull Off Quarterfinal Upset
The Buffalo Bulls enter the MAC tournament with a 17-14 overall record and a 7-11 conference record. Buffalo has struggled with consistency recently, recently lost to Toledo 99-78, recently won over Eastern Michigan 72-67, recently lost to Central Michigan 75-70, recently lost to Akron 99-85, and recently won over Massachusetts 86-82 in overtime.
Buffalo averages 78.3 points per game while allowing 76.3 points per contest this season. The Bulls shoot 47% from the field and average 31.6 rebounds per game. They also generate offense through ball movement with 14.6 assists per game while contributing 2.8 blocks and 7.6 steals defensively.
One positive for Buffalo is their ability to score efficiently when their offense gets into rhythm. Shooting 47% from the field gives them the ability to stay competitive in games, but defensive consistency will be critical if they hope to keep this matchup close.
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Zips Dominating the MAC This Season
The Akron Zips come into this MAC quarterfinal matchup with an impressive 26-5 overall record and a dominant 17-1 conference record. Akron has been playing outstanding basketball lately, recently won over Northern Illinois 94-55, recently won over Central Michigan 77-64, recently won over Kent State 92-70, recently won over Buffalo 99-85, and recently won over Ball State 78-65.
Akron averages a powerful 89.6 points per game while allowing just 73.7 points per contest defensively. The Zips shoot an excellent 51% from the field and average 38.2 rebounds per game. They also share the ball extremely well with 19.0 assists per game while adding 3.0 blocks and 7.7 steals defensively.
The biggest strength for Akron has been their offensive efficiency. Scoring nearly 90 points per game while shooting 51% from the field makes them one of the most explosive offenses in the conference, and that has been a major factor in their dominant season.
Buffalo Bulls vs Akron Zips Pick
Buffalo Bulls vs Akron Zips Pick
- Pick: Akron Zips -12.5
Akron has been one of the most dominant teams in the MAC this season, and their recent performance shows why they are a strong contender in the conference tournament. The Zips have already defeated Buffalo recently and their offensive firepower gives them a major advantage in this matchup.
Buffalo has struggled with consistency against stronger teams, and facing an Akron team that scores nearly 90 points per game could create problems for the Bulls. With Akron also shooting over 50% from the field, the Zips appear well positioned to cover the spread.
Buffalo Bulls vs Akron Zips Total Pick
- Pick: Over 161.5
I believe this matchup has the potential to turn into a high scoring tournament game. Akron’s offense averages nearly 90 points per game and they play at a fast pace that often pushes totals higher.
Buffalo also averages over 78 points per game, which suggests they can contribute offensively if the game opens up. When I look at the scoring numbers from both teams, I see a matchup that could push past the total.
Final Score Prediction: Akron Zips 92, Buffalo Bulls 78
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