- Matchup: Northern Illinois Huskies vs Akron Zips
- Date: Friday, March 6, 2026
- Venue: James A. Rhodes Arena, Akron, OH
- Broadcast: ESPN+
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This Friday, the Northern Illinois Huskies (9-20) will compete against the Akron Zips (25-5) at James A. Rhodes Arena.
In their most recent matchup, the Northern Illinois Huskies were defeated by Kent State, with a final score of 102-76. The Huskies committed 25 fouls, matching Kent State’s total. From long range, Northern Illinois converted 15 of 33 attempts. Kent State, meanwhile, shot an impressive 82.9% from the charity stripe, hitting 29 of their 35 attempts. On the boards, Kent State collected 36 rebounds—10 offensive and 26 defensive—without any blocks. They also recorded 21 assists and 9 steals. Defensively, Northern Illinois permitted the opposing team to shoot 47.5% overall, as Kent State made 29 of 61 attempts. The Huskies managed only 10 assists, forced 9 turnovers, and secured 2 steals, while achieving a total of 27 rebounds, including 7 offensive. At the free-throw line, they converted 26 out of 36 attempts for a rate of 72.2%. Northern Illinois wrapped up the game with a field goal shooting percentage of 40.0% (22 of 55) and made 6 of their 26 three-point shots.
Gianni Cobb made a significant contribution, finishing with 17 points on 5 of 11 shooting. He played for 33 minutes and recorded 3 rebounds along with 4 assists.
Northern Illinois holds a 9-20 record for the season, averaging 15.0 turnovers and committing 18.6 fouls per game. The team averages 35.1 rebounds and ranks 304th nationally with 370 assists this season. The Huskies shoot 31.6% from beyond the arc (234 of 740) and convert 66.7% of their free throws. They score an average of 70.0 points per game, placing them 311th in Division 1, with a field goal percentage of 41.7%.
Defensively, the Huskies force 11.7 turnovers while averaging 18.1 personal fouls. They allow opponents to shoot 33.9% from three-point range, ranking 273rd in points given up per game (77.2). Opponents shoot 47.7% against them (788 of 1,653) and the Huskies concede 33.7 rebounds per game, ranking 226th for assists allowed with 421 this year.
In their last outing, the Akron Zips celebrated a 77-64 victory against Central Michigan. They gathered a total of 41 rebounds, with 27 defensive and 14 offensive. The Zips had 12 turnovers and managed to collect 12 steals during the game. Central Michigan was called for 11 fouls, granting Akron 11 free throw attempts, of which they converted 6 for a percentage of 54.5%. From long range, Akron made 11 of 33 attempts (33.3%). Over the entire matchup, they shot 30 of 63, achieving a field goal percentage of 47.6%. The Zips limited Central Michigan to 25 successful shots out of 58 attempts (43.1%). The Zips also shot 43.5% from beyond the arc, hitting 10 of 23, and converted 4 of 6 free throws (66.7%). Akron allowed Central Michigan to grab a total of 24 rebounds (5 offensive).
Tavari Johnson played a pivotal role for the Zips, scoring 17 points in 32 minutes and contributing 4 assists. He made 7 of 15 shot attempts, achieving a 46.7% field goal percentage, and pulled down 3 rebounds.
Akron stands tall with a remarkable 25-5 season record. The Zips average 15.8 fouls per game and boast an impressive free throw shooting percentage of 77.4%. They average 19.0 assists per game (ranking 5th nationally) while committing 11.1 turnovers. Akron has accumulated 2,683 points this season (89.4 per game) and averages 38.1 rebounds per outing. They have been highly efficient on offense, with a 50.4% shooting percentage, ranking 9th in college basketball.
Defensively, Akron ranks 200th in points allowed per game (74.3). They force 13.8 turnovers each game and have allowed opponents to shoot 42.4% from the field (ranking 86th). Their opponents connect on 35.4% of their three-point attempts (287 of 810) and convert 73.1% of free throws. Akron allows an average of 13.6 assists and 33.0 rebounds per game, ranking 200th and 92nd, respectively, in college basketball.
Who will emerge victorious in tonight’s NCAA matchup against the spread?
Prediction: Bet on Northern Illinois
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