NCAAB · Final

Miami (OH) Edges Akron in Thrilling Finish

Saturday, January 3, 2026, 3:30 PM ET · Millett Hall

Miami (OH) RedHawks 76, Akron Zips 73, 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 Miami (OH) RedHawks?

Miami (OH) RedHawks beat Akron Zips 76-73 at Millett Hall on January 3, 2026.

Who was favored in Akron Zips vs Miami (OH) RedHawks?

Akron Zips were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -192 (about 66% implied). The underdog won.

In a tightly contested matchup, the Miami (OH) RedHawks triumphed over the Akron Zips with a final score of 76-73 at Millett Hall. This victory marked Miami's impressive home record, improving to 15-0 overall and extending their winning streak to 11 games, including 10 consecutive wins in their last 10 outings. Throughout this streak, the RedHawks have averaged 96.1 points while allowing 75.4, showcasing their offensive prowess and resilience on defense.

Akron, on the other hand, came into this game with a record of 10-4. The Zips had also been performing well recently, winning their last two games and boasting an average of 96.4 points scored in their last 10 contests, while allowing 80.8 points. Their recent form indicated a strong offensive capability, but they faced a tough challenge against a RedHawks team that has been dominant at home.

The game was marked by a series of scoring plays that kept fans on the edge of their seats. In the second half, the tension escalated as both teams exchanged leads. Key moments included free throws by players like Eian Elmer and Brant Byers, who each contributed crucial points down the stretch. Elmer's back-to-back free throws pushed Miami's lead to 74-70, while Byers' free throws sealed the game at 76-70 before Akron's Shammah Scott hit a three-pointer to narrow the gap.

Historically, this fixture has been competitive, with Miami (OH) having lost their previous two meetings against Akron earlier in the 2025 season. The last encounter on March 15, 2025, ended in a narrow loss for Miami, 74-76, while they were defeated 75-102 in another matchup on January 25, 2025. This victory not only avenged those losses but also reinforced Miami's status as a formidable opponent in the NCAAB landscape.

The betting market reflected the competitive nature of this game, with DraftKings setting the odds at Akron -4.5, indicating a slight favor towards the Zips. The total points line was set at 177.5, suggesting expectations for a high-scoring affair, which ultimately played out as both teams showcased their offensive capabilities.

Conditions in Millett Hall were conducive for a thrilling basketball game, with an energized crowd supporting the home team. Miami's ability to perform under pressure was evident, as they maintained composure in the final moments to secure the victory.

As the game concluded, viewers were treated to a display of skill and determination from both teams. Miami's defense, particularly in the final minutes, proved crucial, while Akron's offense fought valiantly to stay in contention. The RedHawks' ability to convert free throws in critical moments was a decisive factor in their win.

This matchup not only highlighted the talent on both sides but also set the stage for what could be an exciting rematch in future seasons. Miami (OH) will look to build on this momentum, while Akron will seek to regroup and learn from this narrow defeat.

Odds

Book	Spread	Total	Moneyline
DraftKings	AKR -4.5	177.5 o -112 / u -108	Akron Zips -192 · Miami (OH) RedHawks +160

What these prices pay on $100 · What these numbers mean

Leaders

PointsBrant Byers26Miami (OH) RedHawks
AssistsPeter Suder9Miami (OH) RedHawks
ReboundsEian Elmer8Miami (OH) RedHawks
PointsTavari Johnson22Akron Zips
AssistsTavari Johnson4Akron Zips
ReboundsEric Mahaffey13Akron Zips

Recent form

Miami (OH) RedHawks

Last 10: 10-0Streak W1096.1 scored · 75.4 allowed per game4-0 at home

W93-83at Bowling Green FalconsDec 31
W135-81vs Milligan BuffaloesDec 22
W86-77at Ball State CardinalsDec 20
W83-76at Wright State RaidersDec 17
W79-69at Eastern Kentucky ColonelsDec 13
W90-87at UNC Asheville BulldogsDec 10
W93-61vs Maine Black BearsDec 6
W109-65vs IU East IU EASTDec 3
W82-71at UNC Greensboro SpartansNov 26
W111-84vs Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden LionsNov 23

Akron Zips

Last 10: 7-3Streak W296.4 scored · 80.8 allowed per game2-1 away

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
W105-81vs Milwaukee PanthersNov 30
L94-97vs Yale BulldogsNov 25
W97-59at Evansville Purple AcesNov 24
W96-75vs Iona GaelsNov 21
L79-97at Purdue BoilermakersNov 17

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	Miami (OH) RedHawks
Field goals	28-64	20-53
Field goal %	44	38
Three-pointers	8-32	11-35
Three-point %	25	31
Free throws	9-10	25-30
Free throw %	90	83
Rebounds	37	36
Offensive rebounds	12	11
Defensive rebounds	25	25
Assists	14	12
Steals	11	6
Blocks	4	5
Turnovers	15	15
Team turnovers	0	2
Technical fouls	0	0
Technical fouls, total	0	0
Flagrant fouls	0	0
Points off turnovers	8	15
Fast-break points	6	9
Points in the paint	38	18
Fouls	22	13
Largest lead	8	6
Lead changes	14	14
Time in front	58	34

How the scoring went

2nd Half39-37Brant Byers makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half39-40Eian Elmer makes 23-foot three point jumper (Luke Skaljac assists)
2nd Half41-40Amani Lyles makes layup (Tavari Johnson assists)
2nd Half41-43Brant Byers makes 24-foot three point jumper (Luke Skaljac assists)
2nd Half44-43Shammah Scott makes 25-foot three point jumper
2nd Half44-44Brant Byers makes free throw 1 of 3
2nd Half44-45Brant Byers makes free throw 2 of 3
2nd Half44-46Brant Byers makes free throw 3 of 3
2nd Half46-46Tavari Johnson makes layup
2nd Half46-48Brant Byers makes 0-foot tip in layup
2nd Half49-48Amani Lyles makes 23-foot three point jumper (Tavari Johnson assists)
2nd Half49-49Eian Elmer makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half49-50Eian Elmer makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half51-50Eric Mahaffey makes 0-foot tip in layup
2nd Half51-53Eian Elmer makes 24-foot three point jumper (Peter Suder assists)
2nd Half53-53Amani Lyles makes layup (Eric Mahaffey assists)
2nd Half53-55Peter Suder makes layup
2nd Half56-55Tavari Johnson makes 26-foot three point jumper (Marvin Musiime-Kamali assists)
2nd Half56-58Brant Byers makes 23-foot three point jumper (Peter Suder assists)
2nd Half58-58Shammah Scott makes 16-foot jumper
2nd Half60-58Tavari Johnson makes layup
2nd Half62-58Eric Mahaffey makes 0-foot tip in dunk
2nd Half62-61Antwone Woolfolk makes 24-foot three point jumper (Peter Suder assists)
2nd Half65-61Amani Lyles makes 25-foot three point jumper (Tavari Johnson assists)
2nd Half65-63Brant Byers makes layup
2nd Half66-63Eric Mahaffey makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half67-63Eric Mahaffey makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half67-64Luke Skaljac makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half67-65Luke Skaljac makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half67-68Luke Skaljac makes 25-foot three point jumper
2nd Half67-70Peter Suder makes 7-foot jumper
2nd Half69-70Eric Mahaffey makes layup (Amani Lyles assists)
2nd Half69-71Luke Skaljac makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half70-71Sharron Young makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half70-72Peter Suder makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half70-73Eian Elmer makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half70-74Eian Elmer makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half70-75Brant Byers makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half70-76Brant Byers makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half73-76Shammah Scott makes 25-foot three point jumper