Buffalo Bulls vs Akron Zips Picks and Predictions for Tuesday February 24 2026

By: Kim Smith Published 02/24/2026, 02:10 AM ET

Buffalo travels to Akron to take on the Zips at James A. Rhodes Arena (Akron, OH) on Tuesday at 7:00 PM, with the game airing on ESPN+. Akron is listed as a 15.5-point favorite, and the total is set at 157.5, while at the time of this writing the odds were not released for the moneyline. For more daily betting insights, be sure to check out our free college basketball picks.

Buffalo Looking to Hang Around in a Tough Road Spot

Buffalo enters this matchup at 16-11 overall with a 6-8 record in MAC play. A road record was not provided in the information available, but recent form shows how competitive they can be. In their last five games, the Bulls as recently won over UMass 86-82 OT, lost to NIU 72-70, won over Ball 63-53, lost to USA 81-69, and lost to Miami (OH) 73-71.

The Bulls are averaging 78.6 points per game while allowing 75.0, and they are shooting 48% from the field. They grab 31.8 rebounds per contest and average 14.8 assists per game. Buffalo can score efficiently, and their shooting percentage suggests they are capable of keeping pace in higher-scoring matchups.

However, defense has been inconsistent. Allowing 75.0 points per game leaves little margin for error against a team with elite offensive numbers. While they average 7.7 steals per game, which can generate transition points, sustaining defensive stops for 40 minutes has been a challenge.

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Akron’s Offensive Machine at Home

Akron comes into this contest at 22-5 overall with a 13-1 mark in MAC play. A home record was not included in the provided information, but the Zips have been dominant in conference action. Over their last five games, they as recently won over Ball 78-65, won over WMU 90-73, won over UMass 99-92, lost to Troy 79-69, and won over EMU 66-64.

The Zips are averaging 89.4 points per game while allowing 74.5, and they are shooting 50% from the field. They collect 38.0 rebounds per game and average 19.0 assists per contest, indicating an offense that shares the ball and creates high-quality looks.

The biggest edge for Akron is scoring balance and efficiency. Averaging nearly 90 points per game on 50% shooting is a significant advantage in any matchup. Even though they allow 74.5 per game, their offensive ceiling often forces opponents to chase, which can lead to defensive breakdowns and extended runs.

Buffalo vs Akron Pick

Buffalo vs Akron spread pick

Pick: Akron -15.5

Akron’s offensive production and efficiency give them a strong edge in this matchup. Averaging 89.4 points per game compared to Buffalo’s 78.6 is a notable gap, and the Zips’ 50% field goal shooting suggests they will generate consistent scoring opportunities. Buffalo can score, but allowing 75.0 points per game against a team this explosive makes covering a large number difficult.

Buffalo vs Akron total pick

Pick: Over 157.5

I’m leaning over because both teams have shown the ability to push the pace and score efficiently. Akron regularly approaches or exceeds 90 points, and Buffalo averages nearly 79 per game. With both offenses capable of generating quality looks and limited defensive resistance, this matchup has a clear path to reaching the 160s.

Final Score Prediction: Akron 91, Buffalo 74

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