MAC Basketball Preview: Matchups of the Week
MAC Basketball Preview: Matchup #1 – Akron at Ball State
Akron (13-4) vs Ball State (7-10) on Friday 2/19. The last times these two schools met, Akron outshot Ball state 49.1% to 34% and recorded seven fewer turnovers in the blowout victory 74-42.
Akron has a preference for taking closer shots to the paint while Ball State leans towards taking more shots outside. Akron’s average field goal percentage is 44.1% which is good for 137th while Ball State hovers around 42.9% which is good for 214th.
Akron should have a strong rebounding advantage as they are 81st in second chance. In contrast, Ball State ranks 236th in offensive putbacks. Akron may prefer perimeter shots more; however, they are not to be taken lightly as they are shooting 36.1% from behind the arc. Ball State shoots about 34% from the 3 point line which is ranked 183rd.
Trend:
- Ball State is 0-9 when allowing 74 or more points in a game
Ball State is 7-1 when giving up fewer than 74 points
Akron is 10-0 when connecting on 10 or more 3-pointers a game
Akron is 3-4 when sinking fewer than 10 3-pointers a game
Final Thoughts:
Ball State may have gotten routed in the last matchup; however, they are perfect at home (3-0) and Akron is (0-3) on the road in conference play. This game could come down to the last few minutes. Akron should be able to get more opportunities from the charity stripe as they hit 77% as a team. Akron should be able to get the sweep tomorrow even though the team has not won a game on the road in the Mid- American Conference.
MORE: ILLINOIS AT MINNESOTA PREVIEW
MAC Basketball Preview: Matchup #1 – Eastern Michigan at Kent State
Eastern Michigan (4-8) vs Kent State (13-5) on Saturday 2/20. Eastern Michigan slightly prefers to shoot from the perimeter; meanwhile, Kent State portrays a balance between inside and outside shots. Eastern Michigan relies on mid-range jumpers and 3-point shots.
Eastern Michigan continues to struggle to be consistent on the offensive end of the court as they rank 306th in field goal percentage (40.7%). On the other hand, Kent State is in the middle of the pact which is good for 156th (43.9%).
Eastern Michigan should struggle on rebounding the ball against Kent State. However, the team is very proficient at converting second-chance points when they get the opportunity, which ranks 70th in the nation. Kent State ranks 39th in converting second-chance points.
The main concern for Eastern Michigan is limiting the number of turnovers. The same could be said about their opponent; however, the pace could be a huge factor.
Kent State’s offense has a clear advantage in both three-point shooting and from close range. Eastern Michigan’sdefense should have the edge in mid-range shooting. Kent State ranks 60th in D1 in connecting behind the arc.
Trend:
- Kent State is 11-11-1 ATS this season
Kent State is 3-7 ATS in their last ten games
Kent State is 2-3 ATS on the road so far this season
Eastern Michigan is 12-9 ATS this season
Eastern Michigan is 7-3 ATS in their last ten games
Eastern Michigan is also 5-3 ATS at home this season
Final Thoughts:
Kent State may not be playing like themselves as of late, but they should have the advantage in controlling the pace of the game. Kent State is (2-0) at home, while Eastern Michigan is (1-2) on the road in conference play. Kent State should win this game comfortably.
