Akron Zips Defeat Central Michigan Chippewas 77-64
Tuesday, March 3, 2026, 7:00 PM ET · McGuirk Arena
Akron Zips 77, Central Michigan Chippewas 64, 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 Central Michigan Chippewas?
Akron Zips beat Central Michigan Chippewas 77-64 at McGuirk Arena on March 3, 2026.
Who was favored in Akron Zips vs Central Michigan Chippewas?
Akron Zips were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -750 (about 88% implied). The favorite won.
In a decisive matchup, the Akron Zips secured a 77-64 victory over the Central Michigan Chippewas at McGuirk Arena. This win adds to Akron's impressive season, bringing their record to 25-5, while Central Michigan falls to 10-20. Akron has been in strong form, boasting a recent record of 9-1 over their last ten games, currently on a five-game winning streak. Their scoring average during this stretch has been 83.9 points per game, while allowing an average of 72.6 points.
In contrast, Central Michigan has shown a more mixed performance, with a record of 5-5 in their last ten games. They are currently on a one-game winning streak, having averaged 77.7 points scored and 71.6 points allowed per game in this timeframe. The Chippewas have fared better at home, holding a home record of 4-0 in their last four games, compared to a weaker away record of 1-5.
The two teams have met three times in the past two seasons, with Akron winning each encounter. In their most recent meeting on January 7, 2026, Akron defeated Central Michigan 82-69. The previous encounters also saw Akron winning 85-82 at Central Michigan in February 2025 and 87-71 in January 2025.
In terms of injury updates, the block does not specify any current injuries affecting either team, which suggests both squads were at full strength for this contest.
DraftKings set the betting line with Akron favored by 11.5 points and a total points line of 158.5. The odds reflect Akron's strong season and recent form, with a moneyline of -750 for the Zips and +525 for the Chippewas.
The game conditions were standard for a late-season college basketball matchup, with both teams looking to solidify their positions as the season winds down. Viewers were treated to a competitive atmosphere, with notable scoring plays including a 25-foot three-pointer by Tavari Johnson and a series of free throws by Zach Halligan that helped maintain Akron's lead.
Overall, this fixture showcased Akron's dominance in the series and their ability to perform under pressure, while Central Michigan continues to seek consistency as they head towards the conclusion of their season.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | AKR -11.5 | 158.5 o -110 / u -110 | Akron Zips -750 · Central Michigan Chippewas +525 |
Leaders
- PointsLogan McIntire15Central Michigan Chippewas
- AssistsTamario Adley5Central Michigan Chippewas
- ReboundsTamario Adley9Central Michigan Chippewas
- PointsTavari Johnson17Akron Zips
- AssistsTavari Johnson4Akron Zips
- ReboundsEvan Mahaffey16Akron Zips
Recent form
Central Michigan Chippewas
Last 10: 5-5Streak W177.7 scored · 71.6 allowed per game4-0 at home
- W75-70at Buffalo BullsFeb 28
- L81-83at Kent State Golden FlashesFeb 25
- W83-70vs Western Michigan BroncosFeb 21
- L54-66at Eastern Michigan EaglesFeb 17
- W88-46vs Northern Illinois HuskiesFeb 14
- L80-85at Louisiana Ragin' CajunsFeb 7
- L89-95at Massachusetts MinutemenFeb 4
- W62-59vs Bowling Green FalconsFeb 1
- W100-65vs Eastern Michigan EaglesJan 28
- L65-77at Western Michigan BroncosJan 24
Akron Zips
Last 10: 9-1Streak W583.9 scored · 72.6 allowed per game5-1 away
- W92-70at Kent State Golden FlashesFeb 28
- W99-85vs Buffalo BullsFeb 25
- W78-65at Ball State CardinalsFeb 20
- 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
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 | Central Michigan Chippewas |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 30-63 | 25-58 |
| Field goal % | 48 | 43 |
| Three-pointers | 11-33 | 10-23 |
| Three-point % | 33 | 43 |
| Free throws | 6-11 | 4-6 |
| Free throw % | 55 | 67 |
| Rebounds | 41 | 25 |
| Offensive rebounds | 14 | 6 |
| Defensive rebounds | 27 | 19 |
| Assists | 17 | 16 |
| Steals | 12 | 7 |
| Blocks | 3 | 1 |
| Turnovers | 12 | 15 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 1 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 17 | 13 |
| Fast-break points | 9 | 13 |
| Points in the paint | 36 | 30 |
| Fouls | 12 | 11 |
| Largest lead | 14 | 7 |
| Lead changes | 9 | 9 |
| Time in front | 69 | 23 |
How the scoring went
- 1st Half32-28Bowen Hardman makes 23-foot three point jumper (Tavari Johnson assists)
- 1st Half32-31Logan McIntire makes 25-foot three point jumper (Tamario Adley assists)
- 1st Half33-31Amani Lyles makes free throw 2 of 2
- 1st Half35-31Shammah Scott makes driving layup (Amani Lyles assists)
- 1st Half37-31Evan Mahaffey makes 7-foot hook shot
- 1st Half39-31Tavari Johnson makes driving layup (Sharron Young assists)
- 1st Half39-33Nathan Claerbaut makes layup (Keenan Garner assists)
- 2nd Half39-35Tamario Adley makes 9-foot turnaround jump shot
- 2nd Half39-37Tamario Adley makes layup
- 2nd Half41-37Shammah Scott makes 7-foot turnaround jump shot
- 2nd Half41-40Phat Phat Brooks makes 26-foot three point jumper (Tamario Adley assists)
- 2nd Half44-40Sharron Young makes 23-foot three point step back jumpshot (Evan Mahaffey assists)
- 2nd Half44-42Tamario Adley makes driving layup
- 2nd Half46-42Shammah Scott makes 20-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half46-44Tamario Adley makes 9-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half46-47Jaxson Whitaker makes 24-foot three point jumper (Logan McIntire assists)
- 2nd Half49-47Bowen Hardman makes 25-foot three point jumper (Evan Mahaffey assists)
- 2nd Half49-49Nick Mullen makes 4-foot dunk (Jaxson Whitaker assists)
- 2nd Half52-49Tavari Johnson makes 25-foot three point jumper (Evan Mahaffey assists)
- 2nd Half53-49Evan Mahaffey makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half56-49Tavari Johnson makes 24-foot three point step back jumpshot
- 2nd Half58-49Tavari Johnson makes 9-foot jumper
- 2nd Half59-49Amani Lyles makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half61-49Sharron Young makes driving layup
- 2nd Half61-51Nathan Claerbaut makes layup (Keenan Garner assists)
- 2nd Half63-51Amani Lyles makes layup (Zach Halligan assists)
- 2nd Half63-52Keenan Garner makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half63-53Keenan Garner makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half64-53Amani Lyles makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half66-53Tavari Johnson makes 8-foot jumper
- 2nd Half66-56Logan McIntire makes 25-foot three point jumper (Nathan Claerbaut assists)
- 2nd Half68-56Tavari Johnson makes driving layup
- 2nd Half69-56Zach Halligan makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half70-56Zach Halligan makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half70-59Logan McIntire makes 25-foot three point jumper (Phat Phat Brooks assists)
- 2nd Half70-61Phat Phat Brooks makes layup (Jaxson Whitaker assists)
- 2nd Half73-61Tavari Johnson makes 25-foot three pointer
- 2nd Half73-64Logan McIntire makes 24-foot three point jumper (Phat Phat Brooks assists)
- 2nd Half75-64Amani Lyles makes layup (Tavari Johnson assists)
- 2nd Half77-64Shammah Scott makes driving layup
Win probability
Above the line favours Central Michigan Chippewas, below favours Akron Zips.
Venue
- McGuirk ArenaMount Pleasant, MI
- Attendance1901
- OfficialsDavid Walker, Chad Barlow, Jeff Spedoske
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