Akron Zips Defeat Ball State Cardinals 78-65
Friday, February 20, 2026, 6:30 PM ET · Worthen Arena
Akron Zips 78, Ball State Cardinals 65, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Akron Zips vs Ball State Cardinals?
Akron Zips beat Ball State Cardinals 78-65 at Worthen Arena on February 20, 2026.
Who was favored in Akron Zips vs Ball State Cardinals?
Akron Zips were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -1350 (about 93% implied). The favorite won.
In a decisive matchup, the Akron Zips defeated the Ball State Cardinals 78-65 at Worthen Arena. The Zips, boasting a strong away record of 22-5, showcased their dominance throughout the game, continuing their successful season with a recent record of 9-1 over their last ten games. This victory marks their third consecutive win and reinforces their position as a formidable contender in the NCAAB league.
The Cardinals, on the other hand, have struggled this season with a record of 8-19, and their recent form reflects this challenge. Over their last ten games, they have managed only four wins, with a current losing streak of three games. In this matchup, the Cardinals averaged 63.7 points scored and 70.3 points allowed in their last ten games, while their recent performance saw them score an average of 60.6 points and allow 70.4 points over their last five games.
Akron's performance was characterized by their high-scoring ability, averaging 84.3 points scored and 73.5 points allowed in their last ten games. Their last five games have seen them maintain an average of 78.6 points scored, demonstrating their offensive strength. The Zips' recent victory against the Western Michigan Broncos, where they scored 90 points, is indicative of their scoring prowess.
Historically, the Zips have had the upper hand in their meetings with the Cardinals, winning all three encounters in the past two seasons. This includes their most recent matchup on January 14, 2026, where Akron triumphed 87-77. The Zips have consistently outperformed the Cardinals, which added to the intrigue of this fixture.
In terms of injuries, the block does not provide specific details, but the performance of both teams suggests that they were fielding their typical lineups. The Zips entered the game as heavy favorites, with DraftKings setting the odds at Akron -13.5, indicating a strong expectation for their victory. The total points line was set at 147.5, reflecting the anticipated high-scoring nature of the game.
As the game unfolded, the Zips maintained control, with significant contributions from players like Amani Lyles, who made a notable dunk and a three-point jumper, further extending their lead. The Cardinals attempted to close the gap in the second half, with Davion Hill hitting a three-pointer, but it was not enough to overcome the deficit.
Overall, the game highlighted the stark contrast between the two teams' seasons, with Akron solidifying their status as a top contender while Ball State continues to search for answers as they navigate a challenging season.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | AKR -13.5 | 147.5 o -105 / u -115 | Akron Zips -1350 · Ball State Cardinals +800 |
Leaders
- PointsDavion Hill18Ball State Cardinals
- AssistsArmoni Zeigler4Ball State Cardinals
- ReboundsDavion Hill11Ball State Cardinals
- PointsAmani Lyles26Akron Zips
- AssistsTavari Johnson6Akron Zips
- ReboundsAmani Lyles8Akron Zips
Recent form
Ball State Cardinals
Last 10: 4-6Streak L363.7 scored · 70.3 allowed per game2-2 at home
- L57-69at Ohio BobcatsFeb 18
- L68-75vs Kent State Golden FlashesFeb 14
- L53-63vs Buffalo BullsFeb 12
- W73-68at UL Monroe WarhawksFeb 7
- L52-77at Bowling Green FalconsFeb 4
- L55-73at Toledo RocketsJan 31
- W58-53vs Northern Illinois HuskiesJan 24
- W68-67at Central Michigan ChippewasJan 21
- W76-71vs Ohio BobcatsJan 17
- L77-87at Akron ZipsJan 14
Akron Zips
Last 10: 9-1Streak W284.3 scored · 73.5 allowed per game4-1 away
- W90-73at Western Michigan BroncosFeb 18
- W99-92vs Massachusetts MinutemenFeb 14
- L69-79at Troy TrojansFeb 7
- W66-64at Eastern Michigan EaglesFeb 3
- W69-52vs Kent State Golden FlashesJan 30
- W91-81vs Toledo RocketsJan 28
- W86-65at Ohio BobcatsJan 24
- W82-63at Buffalo BullsJan 20
- W104-89vs Western Michigan BroncosJan 17
- W87-77vs Ball State CardinalsJan 14
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miami (OH) | 32-2 | - | 18-0 |
| Akron | 29-6 | 1 | 17-1 |
| Kent State | 24-10 | 4 | 14-4 |
| Toledo | 19-15 | 7 | 11-7 |
| Bowling Green | 18-14 | 9 | 9-9 |
| Ohio | 15-17 | 9 | 9-9 |
| Buffalo | 17-15 | 11 | 7-11 |
| Massachusetts | 17-16 | 11 | 7-11 |
| Ball State | 12-19 | 11 | 7-11 |
| Central Michigan | 10-21 | 12 | 6-12 |
| Western Michigan | 10-21 | 14 | 4-14 |
| Eastern Michigan | 10-21 | 14 | 4-14 |
| Northern Illinois | 9-21 | 10 | 4-14 |
Box score
| Stat | Akron Zips | Ball State Cardinals |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 29-64 | 23-58 |
| Field goal % | 45 | 40 |
| Three-pointers | 9-29 | 13-28 |
| Three-point % | 31 | 46 |
| Free throws | 11-15 | 6-9 |
| Free throw % | 73 | 67 |
| Rebounds | 40 | 35 |
| Offensive rebounds | 13 | 10 |
| Defensive rebounds | 27 | 25 |
| Assists | 17 | 13 |
| Steals | 7 | 6 |
| Blocks | 2 | 1 |
| Turnovers | 10 | 14 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 1 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 14 | 12 |
| Fast-break points | 10 | 4 |
| Points in the paint | 38 | 20 |
| Fouls | 11 | 16 |
| Largest lead | 20 | 4 |
| Lead changes | 8 | 8 |
| Time in front | 86 | 8 |
How the scoring went
- 1st Half35-30Tavari Johnson makes layup (Eric Mahaffey assists)
- 1st Half35-33Juwan Maxey makes 22-foot three point jumper (Armoni Zeigler assists)
- 1st Half35-36Davion Hill makes 27-foot three pointer
- 1st Half37-36Tavari Johnson makes driving layup
- 1st Half38-36Tavari Johnson makes free throw 1 of 1
- 1st Half40-36Sharron Young makes layup (Tavari Johnson assists)
- 2nd Half40-39Davion Hill makes 22-foot three point jumper (Elmore James IV assists)
- 2nd Half43-39Tavari Johnson makes 23-foot three point jumper (Evan Mahaffey assists)
- 2nd Half46-39Amani Lyles makes 23-foot three point jumper (Tavari Johnson assists)
- 2nd Half49-39Bowen Hardman makes 24-foot three point jumper (Eric Mahaffey assists)
- 2nd Half49-42Davion Hill makes 23-foot three point jumper (Armoni Zeigler assists)
- 2nd Half50-42Tavari Johnson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half51-42Tavari Johnson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half51-43Preston Copeland makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half52-43Shammah Scott makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half52-46Devon Barnes makes 22-foot three point jumper (Armoni Zeigler assists)
- 2nd Half54-46Shammah Scott makes 16-foot turnaround jump shot
- 2nd Half54-48Armoni Zeigler makes layup
- 2nd Half56-48Shammah Scott makes 10-foot jumper
- 2nd Half58-48Evan Mahaffey makes layup
- 2nd Half60-48Eric Mahaffey makes 2-foot dunk (Shammah Scott assists)
- 2nd Half62-48Evan Mahaffey makes driving layup
- 2nd Half64-48Amani Lyles makes layup (Evan Mahaffey assists)
- 2nd Half65-48Amani Lyles makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half65-49Elmore James IV makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half68-49Eric Mahaffey makes 22-foot three point jumper (Tavari Johnson assists)
- 2nd Half69-49Marvin Musiime-Kamali makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half69-52Devon Barnes makes 23-foot three point jumper (Armoni Zeigler assists)
- 2nd Half69-54Devon Barnes makes layup
- 2nd Half69-56Davion Hill makes driving layup
- 2nd Half70-56Tavari Johnson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half71-56Tavari Johnson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half73-56Amani Lyles makes 0-foot dunk
- 2nd Half75-56Tavari Johnson makes driving layup
- 2nd Half75-58Preston Copeland makes layup
- 2nd Half78-58Amani Lyles makes 23-foot three point jumper (Evan Mahaffey assists)
- 2nd Half78-60Preston Copeland makes layup (Mason Jones assists)
- 2nd Half78-61Davion Hill makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half78-62Davion Hill makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half78-65Davion Hill makes 23-foot three point jumper (Mason Jones assists)
Win probability
Above the line favours Ball State Cardinals, below favours Akron Zips.
Venue
- Worthen ArenaMuncie, IN
- Attendance2680
- OfficialsJosh White, Jeff Spedoske, Tariq Lewis
Elsewhere
- Carson Crawford, No. 46 in '27 class, commits to Arizona St.
- Tennessee's Ralph Scott to have knee surgery, out at least 6 months
- Men's NCAA basketball 2026-27 Way-Too-Early Top 25 rankings
- Transfers, recruits and roster moves for key men's NCAA basketball teams
- Michigan 5-star freshman Brandon McCoy Jr. (knee) to miss season
- With $6.5 million left on deal, UCLA fires AD Martin Jarmond