The 2021-22 college basketball season continues Friday, January 28, with the Mid-American showdown from Savage Arena in Toledo, Ohio, where the Rockets welcome the Zips for their lone regular-season encounter.

According to BetOnline Sportsbook, the Rockets are firm 9.5-point favorites with a total of 141.0 points, so let’s see what’s the best Akron vs. Toledo betting pick. Last season, the Zips and Rockets split a two-game set, as each team emerged victorious on the home court.

Akron eyes its fifth consecutive W

The Akron Zips (13-5; 8-8 ATS) improved to 6-2 in the conference play following a 60-56 victory at the Central Michigan Chippewas this past Tuesday. John Groce’s boys extended their winning streak to four games but failed to cover a 12.5-point spread.

Sophomore forward Enrique Freeman led the way for Akron at Central Michigan, posting a 16-point, 11-rebound double-double. Junior guard Xavier Castaneda had 16 points and six boards, while the Zips held Chippewas to only 36.1% shooting from the field.

Akron sits at the third spot of the Mid-American Conference table. The Zips are No. 151 in both of the latest NCAA NET Rankings and KenPom rankings. They score 103.8 points per 100 possessions (152nd in the country) on 45.3% shooting from the field (125th) and 34.8% from downtown (132nd).

Toledo shoots for its eighth straight victory 

The Toledo Rockets improved to 16-4 straight up and 15-5 ATS on the season following an 86-75 victory to the Buffalo Bulls this past Tuesday. It was their seventh SU and ATS win in a row, as the Rockets dominated the Bulls down the stretch to cover a 4.5-point spread in front of the home fans.

Toledo allowed Buffalo to score only 13 points in the final ten minutes. The Rockets held the Bulls to 37.0% shooting from the field, making 50.9% of their field goals. Sophomore guard Ryan Rollins led the charge with 25 points and 11 rebounds, while freshman guard Ra’Heim Moss added 12 points and six assists.

The Rockets top the Mid-American Conference with an 8-1 record. They are No. 61 in the NCAA NET Rankings and No. 67 in the KenPom rankings. Toledo scores 110.8 points per 100 possessions (47th in the country) on 47.1% shooting from the field (46th) and 36.3% from beyond the arc (66th).

Trends:

Akron:

  • 1-4 ATS in the last five games overall
  • 2-9 ATS in the last 11 games against Toledo  

Toledo:

  • 7-0 ATS in the last seven games overall
  • 5-0 ATS in the last five games at home 

Akron vs. Toledo Pick

Both Akron and Toledo lack height and matchup each other well, but the Rockets look like a more talented bunch of the two, especially on the offensive end. Ryan Rollins has been terrific so far this season, averaging 20.0 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game, while junior forwards J.T. Shumate and Setric Millner have combined for 29.4 points and 12.3 boards a night.

I’m expecting the Rockets to extend their dominance over the Zips. Toledo is 9-2 SU and ATS in its last 11 meetings with Akron. The Zips rank 164th in the country in points allowed per 100 possessions (102.8) and 231st in the opponent 3-point percentage (34.1%).

Pick: Take Toledo -9.5 at -110                    

The Total:

The totals are a tricky wager in this matchup because we’ll see the clash of two different styles. While the Rockets play at a steady pace, averaging 69.4 possessions per 40 minutes (79th in the nation), the Zips register only 62.8 possessions per 40 minutes (344th).

Furthermore, the betting trends are not helping a lot. The total has gone over in the last three meetings between Akron and Toledo, but the under is 8-4 over their previous 12 encounters. The over is 4-2 in Toledo’s last six games, while the under is 5-1 in Akron’s previous six road tilts. As I’ve mentioned, the Zips matchup the Rockets well and should be able to slow down things, so give me the under.

Pick: Go under 141.0 points at -110