Akron Zips Defeat Ohio Bobcats 86-65 in Convocation Center
Friday, January 23, 2026, 8:00 PM ET · Convocation Center (OH)
Akron Zips 86, Ohio Bobcats 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 Ohio Bobcats?
Akron Zips beat Ohio Bobcats 86-65 at Convocation Center (OH) on January 23, 2026.
Who was favored in Akron Zips vs Ohio Bobcats?
Akron Zips were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -345 (about 78% implied). The favorite won.
In a decisive victory, the Akron Zips defeated the Ohio Bobcats with a final score of 86-65 at the Convocation Center in Ohio. This matchup showcased Akron's strong away performance, extending their winning streak to five games while improving their overall record to 17-4. The Zips have been a dominant force in recent contests, averaging 90.1 points scored and allowing 76.3 points over their last ten games.
The Bobcats, on the other hand, now hold a record of 11-11 after this loss. Despite their recent form showing a solid 7-3 record in their last ten games, they struggled to keep pace with Akron, particularly in the second half. Ohio averaged 81.0 points scored and allowed 73.1 points during their last ten outings, indicating a relatively high-scoring style of play.
Akron's recent success has been bolstered by their impressive scoring capabilities, which were evident in this game as they consistently found ways to penetrate Ohio's defense. In their last five games, the Zips averaged 86.4 points while allowing just 73.0, demonstrating their ability to not only score but also manage defensive pressure effectively.
The Zips' scoring was highlighted by Shammah Scott, who made a significant impact with a 25-foot three-point jumper during the second half, contributing to Akron's commanding lead. The game saw several scoring plays that widened the gap, including a dunk from Evan Mahaffey and free throws from Javan Simmons and Jackson Paveletzke, showcasing the Zips' depth and versatility in offensive strategies.
In terms of home versus away performance, Ohio has been more effective at home, holding a 5-1 record in their last six home games. However, they could not capitalize on this advantage against Akron, who maintained a strong away record of 8-2 in their last ten games. The previous meetings between these two teams were split, with each team winning one game last season; Ohio had previously defeated Akron 84-67 at home, while Akron had taken a win 92-80 in Ohio.
The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had Akron favored by 6.5 points, indicating confidence in their ability to secure a win on the road. The total points line was set at 167.5, reflecting expectations for a high-scoring affair, which ultimately played out as Akron exceeded this total on their own.
Injuries did not appear to significantly impact either team during this matchup, allowing both squads to field their key players. The conditions in the Convocation Center were typical for a basketball game, with a lively atmosphere that often fuels home team performance, yet Ohio could not harness this energy effectively.
Overall, viewers were treated to a display of Akron's offensive firepower and strategic execution, which proved too much for the Bobcats to handle. The Zips’ ability to maintain their scoring pace while effectively managing Ohio's attempts to rally was a key factor in their victory. As the season progresses, both teams will look to build on their performances, with Akron aiming to continue their winning streak and Ohio seeking to rebound from this setback.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | AKR -6.5 | 167.5 o -112 / u -108 | Akron Zips -345 · Ohio Bobcats +275 |
Leaders
- PointsJavan Simmons16Ohio Bobcats
- AssistsJackson Paveletzke4Ohio Bobcats
- ReboundsJavan Simmons5Ohio Bobcats
- PointsTavari Johnson24Akron Zips
- AssistsEvan Mahaffey5Akron Zips
- ReboundsAmani Lyles11Akron Zips
Recent form
Ohio Bobcats
Last 10: 7-3Streak W181 scored · 73.1 allowed per game5-1 at home
- W80-77vs Northern Illinois HuskiesJan 21
- L71-76at Ball State CardinalsJan 17
- L85-101at Toledo RocketsJan 14
- W91-80vs Buffalo BullsJan 10
- W86-83vs Massachusetts MinutemenJan 6
- W68-67at Eastern Michigan EaglesJan 3
- W80-64at Central Michigan ChippewasDec 30
- W102-59vs Miami (OH) Hamilton HarriersDec 22
- L58-68vs Bowling Green FalconsDec 20
- W89-56vs Ohio Wesleyan Battling BishopsDec 17
Akron Zips
Last 10: 8-2Streak W590.1 scored · 76.3 allowed per game3-1 away
- W82-63at Buffalo BullsJan 20
- 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
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 | Ohio Bobcats |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 30-61 | 20-61 |
| Field goal % | 49 | 33 |
| Three-pointers | 6-17 | 4-17 |
| Three-point % | 35 | 24 |
| Free throws | 20-26 | 21-27 |
| Free throw % | 77 | 78 |
| Rebounds | 44 | 30 |
| Offensive rebounds | 11 | 10 |
| Defensive rebounds | 33 | 20 |
| Assists | 12 | 5 |
| Steals | 2 | 9 |
| Blocks | 5 | 8 |
| Turnovers | 12 | 9 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 1 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 1 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 1 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 16 | 8 |
| Fast-break points | 0 | 0 |
| Points in the paint | 36 | 28 |
| Fouls | 20 | 20 |
| Largest lead | 24 | 0 |
| Lead changes | 0 | 0 |
| Time in front | 99 | 0 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half55-35Tavari Johnson makes layup
- 2nd Half55-36JJ Kelly makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half55-37JJ Kelly makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half58-37Shammah Scott makes 27-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half60-37Eric Mahaffey makes layup
- 2nd Half60-39Javan Simmons makes layup
- 2nd Half61-39Amani Lyles makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half63-39Shammah Scott makes layup
- 2nd Half63-41JJ Kelly makes 14-foot jumper
- 2nd Half64-41Amani Lyles makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half64-42Aidan Hadaway makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half64-43Aidan Hadaway makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half66-43Shammah Scott makes 21-foot jumper
- 2nd Half66-45Javan Simmons makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half66-47Aidan Hadaway makes layup
- 2nd Half66-48Aidan Hadaway makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half68-48Tavari Johnson makes 9-foot jumper
- 2nd Half68-49Jackson Paveletzke makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half68-50Jackson Paveletzke makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half70-50Tavari Johnson makes 7-foot jumper
- 2nd Half70-53JJ Kelly makes 23-foot three point jumper (Jackson Paveletzke assists)
- 2nd Half70-54Javan Simmons makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half70-55Javan Simmons makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half71-55Sharron Young makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half71-57Jackson Paveletzke makes 12-foot jumper
- 2nd Half73-57Evan Mahaffey makes 2-foot dunk (Tavari Johnson assists)
- 2nd Half73-59Jackson Paveletzke makes 18-foot jumper
- 2nd Half75-59Amani Lyles makes layup (Evan Mahaffey assists)
- 2nd Half75-61Aidan Hadaway makes layup
- 2nd Half77-61Evan Mahaffey makes layup
- 2nd Half78-61Shammah Scott makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half79-61Shammah Scott makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half82-61Shammah Scott makes 25-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half82-62Javan Simmons makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half82-63Javan Simmons makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half84-63Evan Mahaffey makes 2-foot dunk (Eric Mahaffey assists)
- 2nd Half85-63Shammah Scott makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half86-63Shammah Scott makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half86-64Jackson Paveletzke makes free throw 1 of 3
- 2nd Half86-65Jackson Paveletzke makes free throw 3 of 3
Win probability
Above the line favours Ohio Bobcats, below favours Akron Zips.
Venue
- Convocation Center (OH)Athens, OH
- Attendance4422
- OfficialsMike Reed, Nate Harris, Mason Siler
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