Akron Zips Defeat Western Michigan Broncos 90-73
Tuesday, February 17, 2026, 7:00 PM ET · University Arena (MI)
Akron Zips 90, Western Michigan Broncos 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 Western Michigan Broncos?
Akron Zips beat Western Michigan Broncos 90-73 at University Arena (MI) on February 17, 2026.
Who was favored in Akron Zips vs Western Michigan Broncos?
Akron Zips were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -1350 (about 93% implied). The favorite won.
In a decisive matchup, the Akron Zips secured a convincing 90-73 victory over the Western Michigan Broncos at University Arena. This result highlights the significant disparity in performance between the two teams this season, with Akron boasting a strong away record of 21-5 compared to Western Michigan's 9-17. The Zips have shown their prowess on the court, particularly in their recent form, winning 9 of their last 10 games and averaging 83.0 points while allowing 72.9. Meanwhile, the Broncos have struggled, holding a record of 3-7 in their last 10 outings, with an average of 73.3 points scored and 79.3 points allowed.
Akron entered the game with a solid winning streak, having won their last game against the Massachusetts Minutemen 99-92. The Zips have been particularly effective away from home, achieving a 4-1 record in their last five away games. In contrast, Western Michigan's recent form has been less impressive, with only one win in their last five games and an average of 70.4 points scored while allowing 81.0.
The matchup was also notable for its history, as Akron had previously defeated Western Michigan in their last two meetings. In their most recent encounter on January 17, 2026, Akron triumphed with a score of 104-89. This trend continued in the latest game, where Akron once again demonstrated their dominance.
In terms of player contributions, Akron's scoring was highlighted by several key plays in the second half. Amani Lyles executed a 4-foot alley-oop dunk, assisted by Shammah Scott, which brought the score to 83-66. Tavari Johnson followed with a driving layup, pushing the lead to 85-66. Justice Williams made a series of impactful shots, including a pull-up jump shot and a pair of free throws, contributing to Akron's commanding lead. Eric Mahaffey also made his mark with a dunk and a three-pointer, further extending the Zips' advantage.
On the injury front, the block does not provide specific details, but both teams have had to navigate the challenges of player availability throughout the season. As for the betting market, DraftKings had Akron favored by 14.5 points, with a total set at 160.5. The odds reflected a strong belief in Akron's ability to dominate the game, as evidenced by their -1350 moneyline compared to Western Michigan's +800.
The game conditions were typical for a February evening in Michigan, with both teams facing the usual challenges of indoor basketball. Fans were treated to a high-scoring affair, with both teams showcasing their offensive capabilities. Viewers were likely to notice Akron's ability to execute plays effectively, particularly in the second half, where they pulled away decisively.
Overall, the matchup served as a testament to Akron's strong season and their ability to perform under pressure, while Western Michigan continues to seek answers as they navigate a challenging campaign.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | AKR -14.5 | 160.5 o -110 / u -110 | Akron Zips -1350 · Western Michigan Broncos +800 |
Leaders
- PointsJustice Williams21Western Michigan Broncos
- AssistsJustice Williams6Western Michigan Broncos
- ReboundsBrady Swartz8Western Michigan Broncos
- PointsTavari Johnson17Akron Zips
- AssistsTavari Johnson6Akron Zips
- ReboundsAmani Lyles9Akron Zips
Recent form
Western Michigan Broncos
Last 10: 3-7Streak W173.3 scored · 79.3 allowed per game2-3 at home
- W76-62at Eastern Michigan EaglesFeb 14
- L79-90vs Toledo RocketsFeb 12
- L61-77at Texas State BobcatsFeb 7
- L71-91at Ohio BobcatsFeb 4
- L65-85at Northern Illinois HuskiesJan 28
- W77-65vs Central Michigan ChippewasJan 24
- L54-72vs Bowling Green FalconsJan 21
- L89-104at Akron ZipsJan 17
- L82-85vs Massachusetts MinutemenJan 14
- W79-62vs Eastern Michigan EaglesJan 10
Akron Zips
Last 10: 9-1Streak W183 scored · 72.9 allowed per game4-1 away
- 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
- W77-67at Bowling Green FalconsJan 10
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 | Western Michigan Broncos |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 33-66 | 26-59 |
| Field goal % | 50 | 44 |
| Three-pointers | 12-28 | 11-27 |
| Three-point % | 43 | 41 |
| Free throws | 12-16 | 10-13 |
| Free throw % | 75 | 77 |
| Rebounds | 43 | 27 |
| Offensive rebounds | 13 | 6 |
| Defensive rebounds | 30 | 21 |
| Assists | 17 | 12 |
| Steals | 6 | 1 |
| Blocks | 5 | 1 |
| Turnovers | 7 | 9 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 12 | 8 |
| Fast-break points | 20 | 9 |
| Points in the paint | 42 | 24 |
| Fouls | 16 | 15 |
| Largest lead | 23 | 2 |
| Lead changes | 2 | 2 |
| Time in front | 95 | 1 |
How the scoring went
- 1st Half50-32Zach Halligan makes free throw 2 of 2
- 1st Half50-33Brady Swartz makes free throw 1 of 2
- 1st Half50-34Brady Swartz makes free throw 2 of 2
- 1st Half53-34Shammah Scott makes 31-foot three pointer
- 2nd Half55-34Evan Mahaffey makes 8-foot jumper
- 2nd Half55-36Jayden Brewer makes layup
- 2nd Half57-36Tavari Johnson makes driving layup
- 2nd Half59-36Evan Mahaffey makes 3-foot dunk (Tavari Johnson assists)
- 2nd Half59-39Jayden Brewer makes 24-foot three point jumper (Justice Williams assists)
- 2nd Half59-42Trey Lewis makes 24-foot three point jumper (Max Burton assists)
- 2nd Half61-42Amani Lyles makes layup (Tavari Johnson assists)
- 2nd Half61-45Jalen Griffith makes 25-foot three pointer
- 2nd Half64-45Sharron Young makes 27-foot three point jumper (Evan Mahaffey assists)
- 2nd Half64-47Jayden Brewer makes layup
- 2nd Half65-47Amani Lyles makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half65-50Trey Lewis makes 27-foot three point jumper (EJ Ryans assists)
- 2nd Half67-50Evan Mahaffey makes layup (Shammah Scott assists)
- 2nd Half67-52Justice Williams makes 14-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half69-52Evan Mahaffey makes driving layup
- 2nd Half69-54Brady Swartz makes layup
- 2nd Half72-54Shammah Scott makes 27-foot three point jumper (Evan Mahaffey assists)
- 2nd Half72-56Justice Williams makes layup
- 2nd Half74-56Bowen Hardman makes driving layup
- 2nd Half74-58Jayden Brewer makes 3-foot dunk (Justice Williams assists)
- 2nd Half77-58Tavari Johnson makes 27-foot three pointer
- 2nd Half77-60Trey Lewis makes driving layup
- 2nd Half77-62Jalen Griffith makes 17-foot pullup jump shot (Justice Williams assists)
- 2nd Half77-64Brady Swartz makes layup (Michael Sulaka assists)
- 2nd Half79-64Eric Mahaffey makes driving layup
- 2nd Half81-64Shammah Scott makes layup
- 2nd Half81-65Brady Swartz makes free throw 1 of 3
- 2nd Half81-66Brady Swartz makes free throw 2 of 3
- 2nd Half83-66Amani Lyles makes 4-foot alley oop dunk (Shammah Scott assists)
- 2nd Half85-66Tavari Johnson makes driving layup
- 2nd Half85-68Justice Williams makes 16-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half87-68Eric Mahaffey makes 3-foot dunk (Tavari Johnson assists)
- 2nd Half87-69Justice Williams makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half87-70Justice Williams makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half90-70Eric Mahaffey makes 24-foot three point jumper (Shammah Scott assists)
- 2nd Half90-73Justice Williams makes 24-foot three pointer
Win probability
Above the line favours Western Michigan Broncos, below favours Akron Zips.
Venue
- University Arena (MI)Kalamazoo, MI
- Attendance1239
- OfficialsDavid Walker, Scott Brown, Luke Schumer
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Picks for NCAAB
NCAAB rules and settlement
These two, other days
- Western Michigan Broncos at Akron Zips — NCAAFNov 10, 2026
- Akron Zips Defeat Western Michigan Broncos 104-89Jan 17, 2026