- Matchup: Akron Zips vs Western Michigan Broncos
- Date: Tuesday, February 17, 2026
- Venue: University Arena, Kalamazoo, MI
- Broadcast: ESPN+
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This Tuesday, the Western Michigan Broncos (9-16) will take on the Akron Zips (20-5) at University Arena.
In their recent match, the Akron Zips triumphed over UMass with a score of 99-92. The Zips recorded 20 fouls while UMass had 29. From three-point range, Akron hit 11 of 24 attempts, while UMass completed 11 of 17 free throw shots for a 64.7% success rate. UMass managed 22 rebounds (3 offensive and 19 defensive) but failed to secure a block. They also achieved 19 assists and 5 steals throughout the game. On defense, Akron allowed UMass to shoot 57.4% from the field, with 35 successful shots out of 61 attempts. The Zips registered 16 assists themselves and caused 15 turnovers, securing 7 steals. In the rebounding department, Akron totaled 30, including 7 offensive boards. From the free throw line, they converted 38 of 43 attempts, boasting an impressive 88.4% accuracy. Overall, Akron achieved a field goal percentage of 46.3% (25 of 54) and made 11 of 30 shots beyond the arc.
Tavari Johnson was instrumental in this victory, racking up 23 points on 7 of 16 shooting. He played for 36 minutes and secured 2 rebounds while maintaining a field goal efficiency of 43.8% and distributing 4 assists.
The Akron Zips enter this matchup with a strong record of 20-5 this season. They average 10.9 turnovers and commit 16.0 personal fouls per game. As a team, they gather 37.7 rebounds per contest and have accumulated 480 assists on the season, ranking them 16th nationally. Akron shoots 37.2% from three-point range (272 of 731) and 77.4% from the charity stripe. Offensively, they average 89.9 points per game, placing them 8th in Division 1 basketball, with a shooting efficiency of 50.4% from the field.
On the defensive front, the Zips force 14.0 turnovers per game while committing 15.6 personal fouls. They rank 155th in the nation for assists allowed, conceding 339 this season. The Zips’ defense holds opponents to a field goal percentage of 42.6% (654 out of 1,536) and averages 33.6 rebounds per game. They allow shooters to convert 34.6% of their three-point attempts and are positioned 219th in college hoops for points per game allowed (74.9).
In their last outing, the Western Michigan Broncos celebrated a victory, defeating Eastern Michigan 76-62. The Broncos allowed Eastern Michigan to secure just 28 rebounds (6 offensive). From beyond the arc, Western Michigan shot 42.9%, making 9 of 21 attempts, and converted 5 of 9 free throw attempts (55.6%). They restricted Eastern Michigan to a 40.7% shooting rate from the field, permitting 24 successful shots out of 59 attempts. Overall, the Broncos shot 39.3% (24 of 61) from the field, sinking 9 of 16 three-point attempts (56.3%). They capitalized on 19 free throw attempts, achieving 82.6% accuracy. Eastern Michigan committed 18 fouls, giving the Broncos 23 opportunities at the line. Additionally, the Broncos recorded 4 turnovers and 4 steals, as they collected 30 defensive rebounds and 13 offensive boards for a total of 43 in this game.
Brady Swartz made a notable contribution for the Broncos with 16 points during 36 minutes of play, successfully shooting 6 of 12 for a field goal percentage of 50.0% while grabbing 7 rebounds.
Western Michigan holds a record of 9-16 for the current season, averaging 18.6 fouls per game and shooting 72.9% from the charity stripe. They assist teammates 13.2 times on average (244th in college) and average 12.4 turnovers per game. Throughout the season, the Broncos have scored a total of 1,871 points (74.8 per game) and average 36.9 rebounds. Offensively, they shoot 44.4% from the field, ranking 239th nationally.
Defensively, the Broncos are 319th in points allowed per game (79.3). They force opponents into 10.0 turnovers per game and allow 45.8% shooting from the field (279th in college). Opponents shoot 35.3% from three-point land against them (240 of 679), converting 70.6% of their free throw attempts. Additionally, they concede 15.4 assists and 34.5 rebounds per game, ranking 312th and 186th in college basketball, respectively.
Who will emerge victorious in tonight’s NCAA matchup against the spread?
Pick: Back Western Michigan
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