- Matchup: Western Michigan Broncos vs Akron Zips
- Date: Saturday, January 17, 2026
- Venue: James A. Rhodes Arena, Akron, OH
- Broadcast: ESPN+
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The Akron Zips (13-4) are set to face off against the Western Michigan Broncos (7-10) this Saturday at James A. Rhodes Arena.
In their previous game, the Western Michigan Broncos battled UMass but fell short with an 85-82 defeat. They logged a 47.5% shooting rate, hitting 29 of 61 attempts, and made 12 out of 31 from beyond the arc, finishing with a free throw percentage of 75.0% by converting 12 out of 16. On the boards, the Broncos secured 33 rebounds, including 10 offensive ones. They also tallied 18 assists, induced 10 turnovers, and recorded 6 steals. Defensively, they allowed UMass to shoot the same 47.5% efficiency from the field (29 of 61). UMass achieved 17 assists and 8 steals in this match while collecting 30 rebounds (9 offensive, 21 defensive) and finishing 80.0% from the free-throw line with 16 successful attempts out of 20. The Broncos ended up committing 18 fouls compared to UMass’s 16.
Justice Williams was instrumental in this contest, achieving an impressive 76.9% field goal percentage with 3 assists, 5 rebounds, and contributing 29 points with a shooting line of 10 out of 13.
Western Michigan enters this matchup with a 7-10 overall record. The team averages 13.6 turnovers per game and commits 19.7 fouls on average. They grab 37.9 rebounds per game and have accumulated 242 assists so far, ranking 212th nationally in assists. The Broncos’ shooting from triple territory stands at 33.9% (120 of 354), and they convert 73.9% of their free throws. They average 76.4 points per game, placing them 199th in the nation, with a field goal shooting percentage of 45.4%.
On the defensive side, the Broncos force an average of 10.8 turnovers per game and draw 17.5 fouls. They rank 278th nationwide in assists allowed with 258 surrendered this season. Their opponents shoot 44.4% from the field (452 of 1,019), and they allow 34.7 rebounds per game. From three-point range, they restrict others to a 32.6% shooting percentage but rank 307th in points allowed per game with an average of 78.6.
In their last outing, the Akron Zips achieved a victory over Ball State, finishing 87-77. They secured 22 defensive and 7 offensive rebounds for a total of 29. The Zips turned the ball over 8 times while also amassing 7 steals. With Ball State committing 14 fouls, Akron had the opportunity to shoot 16 free throws, making 14 for an impressive 87.5% conversion rate. The Zips successfully made 13 out of 35 three-point attempts (37.1%) and overall shot 30 out of 63 from the field, giving them a field goal percentage of 47.6%. Ball State’s field goal percentage was 48.2%, as they made 27 of 56 attempts. From distance, Ball State hit 32.0% of their shots, while also hitting 15 out of 19 free throw attempts (78.9%). On the glass, Akron allowed Ball State a total of 27 rebounds, including 5 offensive.
Tavari Johnson was a key player in this game, contributing 22 points in his 37 minutes, alongside 7 assists. He finished the match shooting 45% (9 of 20) and added 2 rebounds to his stat line.
Akron boasts a solid 13-4 record for the season. The team commits an average of 16.2 personal fouls while shooting 76.4% from the free-throw line. They dish out 20.3 assists per game, ranking 4th nationally, and turn the ball over 10.8 times per game. The Zips have scored a total of 1,581 points this year, averaging 93.0 points per contest, and averaging 38.3 rebounds per game. Offensively, they excel with a shooting percentage of 52.0%, positioning them 6th in Division I.
Defensively, Akron limits opponents to 33.9% from three-point range (162 of 478) and allows 74.4% at the free-throw line. They give up an average of 13.6 assists and 33.1 rebounds per game, ranking 210th and 100th respectively defensively. The Zips are positioned 245th in the country for points allowed per game at 75.8. They force opponents into 14.5 turnovers each game while permitting 42.4% shooting from the field (123rd nationally).
Who will emerge victorious in tonight’s NCAA battle against the spread?
Prediction: Back Akron
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