Akron Zips Defeat Buffalo Bulls 82-63 in NCAAB Clash
Tuesday, January 20, 2026, 6:30 PM ET · Broadview Arena
Akron Zips 82, Buffalo Bulls 63, 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 Buffalo Bulls?
Akron Zips beat Buffalo Bulls 82-63 at Broadview Arena on January 20, 2026.
Who was favored in Akron Zips vs Buffalo Bulls?
Akron Zips were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -410 (about 80% implied). The favorite won.
In a decisive matchup, the Akron Zips triumphed over the Buffalo Bulls with a final score of 82-63 at Broadview Arena. This victory marks Akron's continued dominance over Buffalo, having now won all three recent meetings between the two teams. The Zips have established themselves as a formidable opponent, improving their season record to 16-4 while Buffalo falls to 13-7.
The Zips entered the game with an impressive recent form, boasting a record of 8-2 in their last ten games and riding a four-game winning streak. They averaged 91.6 points scored per game while allowing 77.7 points, showcasing a high-octane offense that has been difficult for opponents to contain. Their last five games have seen them score an average of 84.6 points while allowing 75.6, indicating a consistent ability to outscore their rivals. In contrast, the Bulls have struggled recently, posting a 5-5 record in their last ten games and currently on a three-game losing streak. They averaged 83.1 points scored and allowed 78.5 points during this stretch, with their last five games yielding an average of 85.8 points scored but a concerning 84.4 points allowed.
At home, Buffalo has a record of 2-2 in their last four games, while Akron has been strong on the road, holding a 2-1 record in away games. This performance disparity may have played a role in the outcome of the game, as Akron was able to capitalize on their scoring efficiency and defensive strategies.
The previous meetings between these two teams have not favored Buffalo, as they lost both encounters in the 2025 season. The most recent game prior to this one ended in an 88-70 defeat for the Bulls on March 8, 2025, and they also suffered a 90-58 loss at home on January 22, 2025. This history added pressure on Buffalo as they sought to turn the tide against Akron.
In terms of injuries, the block does not provide specific details regarding player availability, but the performance of key players can often be influenced by such factors. The Zips were favored in the betting market, with DraftKings setting the odds at Akron -8.5, indicating confidence in their ability to secure a comfortable victory. The total points line was set at 166.5, reflecting expectations for a high-scoring game.
The game conditions were conducive to a fast-paced matchup, with both teams known for their offensive capabilities. Akron's ability to execute plays effectively was evident, particularly in the second half, where they pulled away decisively. Notable scoring plays included a 24-foot three-point jumper by Noah Batchelor, assisted by Derrick Talton Jr., which highlighted Akron's perimeter shooting prowess. Buffalo attempted to respond with plays like an alley-oop dunk from Ezra McKenna, but they could not keep pace with Akron's scoring.
As the game progressed, Akron continued to extend their lead, with Tavari Johnson contributing multiple free throws that solidified their advantage. Buffalo's Angelo Brizzi managed to score late in the game, but it was too little, too late as Akron had already established a commanding lead.
Overall, Akron's victory over Buffalo underscores their strong position in the NCAAB landscape, while Buffalo will need to regroup and address their recent struggles as they move forward in the season.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | AKR -8.5 | 166.5 o -112 / u -108 | Akron Zips -410 · Buffalo Bulls +320 |
Leaders
- PointsRyan Sabol26Buffalo Bulls
- AssistsDerrick Talton Jr.10Buffalo Bulls
- ReboundsTim Oboh7Buffalo Bulls
- PointsAmani Lyles18Akron Zips
- AssistsTavari Johnson6Akron Zips
- ReboundsAmani Lyles15Akron Zips
Recent form
Buffalo Bulls
Last 10: 5-5Streak L383.1 scored · 78.5 allowed per game2-2 at home
- L102-105at Miami (OH) RedHawksJan 17
- L81-87vs Kent State Golden FlashesJan 13
- L80-91at Ohio BobcatsJan 10
- W85-72vs Ball State CardinalsJan 3
- W81-67at Northern Illinois HuskiesDec 31
- W92-63vs Penn State Behrend LionsDec 22
- W88-71at Western Michigan BroncosDec 20
- L70-73at East Carolina PiratesDec 14
- W83-79at UMBC RetrieversDec 9
- L69-77vs St. Bonaventure BonniesDec 6
Akron Zips
Last 10: 8-2Streak W491.6 scored · 77.7 allowed per game2-1 away
- W104-89vs Western Michigan BroncosJan 17
- W87-77vs Ball State CardinalsJan 14
- W77-67at Bowling Green FalconsJan 10
- W82-69vs Central Michigan ChippewasJan 7
- L73-76at Miami (OH) RedHawksJan 3
- W115-64vs Concord Mountain LionsDec 30
- W93-72vs Eastern Michigan EaglesDec 20
- L100-115vs Murray State RacersDec 13
- W88-71at Tulane Green WaveDec 6
- W97-77vs Bucknell BisonDec 4
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 | Buffalo Bulls |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 27-58 | 23-65 |
| Field goal % | 47 | 35 |
| Three-pointers | 14-35 | 8-32 |
| Three-point % | 40 | 25 |
| Free throws | 14-19 | 9-13 |
| Free throw % | 74 | 69 |
| Rebounds | 40 | 39 |
| Offensive rebounds | 10 | 14 |
| Defensive rebounds | 30 | 25 |
| Assists | 21 | 15 |
| Steals | 8 | 6 |
| Blocks | 2 | 5 |
| Turnovers | 13 | 13 |
| Team turnovers | 3 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 18 | 8 |
| Fast-break points | 27 | 7 |
| Points in the paint | 24 | 24 |
| Fouls | 14 | 17 |
| Largest lead | 26 | 0 |
| Lead changes | 0 | 0 |
| Time in front | 97 | 0 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half45-27Evan Mahaffey makes layup
- 2nd Half45-30Ryan Sabol makes 25-foot three point jumper (Derrick Talton Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half48-30Bowen Hardman makes 23-foot three point jumper (Amani Lyles assists)
- 2nd Half51-30Zach Halligan makes 22-foot three point jumper (Tavari Johnson assists)
- 2nd Half54-30Zach Halligan makes 30-foot three point jumper (Tavari Johnson assists)
- 2nd Half56-30Evan Mahaffey makes layup (Amani Lyles assists)
- 2nd Half56-31Ryan Sabol makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half56-33Ryan Sabol makes 14-foot jumper
- 2nd Half58-33Evan Mahaffey makes layup (Eric Mahaffey assists)
- 2nd Half58-35Derrick Talton Jr. makes layup
- 2nd Half60-35Sharron Young makes 14-foot jumper
- 2nd Half60-37Ezra McKenna makes layup (Derrick Talton Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half60-39Mikhail Pocknett makes layup (Ezra McKenna assists)
- 2nd Half62-39Sharron Young makes layup (Evan Mahaffey assists)
- 2nd Half64-39Amani Lyles makes 0-foot tip in dunk
- 2nd Half64-41Ryan Sabol makes layup
- 2nd Half64-44Ryan Sabol makes 28-foot three point jumper (Mikhail Pocknett assists)
- 2nd Half67-44Tavari Johnson makes 25-foot three point jumper (Amani Lyles assists)
- 2nd Half67-46Mikhail Pocknett makes layup (Derrick Talton Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half68-46Eric Mahaffey makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half69-46Eric Mahaffey makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half69-47Ryan Sabol makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half69-48Ryan Sabol makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half71-48Evan Mahaffey makes 3-foot alley oop dunk (Shammah Scott assists)
- 2nd Half71-50Kyle Jones makes layup
- 2nd Half73-50Amani Lyles makes layup (Shammah Scott assists)
- 2nd Half74-50Zach Halligan makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half74-53Angelo Brizzi makes 24-foot three point jumper (Derrick Talton Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half75-53Eric Mahaffey makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half75-56Ryan Sabol makes 26-foot three point jumper (Ezra McKenna assists)
- 2nd Half76-56Amani Lyles makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half77-56Amani Lyles makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half77-59Noah Batchelor makes 24-foot three point jumper (Derrick Talton Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half77-61Ezra McKenna makes 4-foot alley oop dunk (Derrick Talton Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half78-61Tavari Johnson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half79-61Tavari Johnson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half80-61Tavari Johnson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half81-61Tavari Johnson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half82-61Marvin Musiime-Kamali makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half82-63Angelo Brizzi makes 8-foot jumper
Win probability
Above the line favours Buffalo Bulls, below favours Akron Zips.
Venue
- Broadview ArenaBuffalo, NY
- Attendance1203
- OfficialsTodd Von Sossan, Alfred Smith, Ian Caldwell
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