NCAAB · Final

Akron Zips Defeat Ball State Cardinals 87-77

Tuesday, January 13, 2026, 7:00 PM ET · James A. Rhodes Arena

Akron Zips 87, Ball State Cardinals 77, 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 Ball State Cardinals vs Akron Zips?

Akron Zips beat Ball State Cardinals 87-77 at James A. Rhodes Arena on January 13, 2026.

Who was favored in Ball State Cardinals vs Akron Zips?

Akron Zips were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -2800 (about 97% implied). The favorite won.

In an impressive display at the James A. Rhodes Arena, the Akron Zips secured a solid victory over the Ball State Cardinals, finishing the game with a score of 87-77. This win marks a continuation of Akron's strong performance this season, particularly at home, where they hold a record of 5-2. The Zips have been on a notable run, winning their last two games and boasting a 7-3 record over their last ten outings. They have averaged 92.4 points per game during this stretch, while allowing 78.9 points, showcasing their offensive prowess.

In contrast, the Ball State Cardinals have struggled throughout the season, now sitting at a disappointing 4-13 overall. Their recent form is even more concerning, with a record of 2-8 in their last ten games and a current losing streak of three games. The Cardinals have averaged just 67.8 points per game during this span, while their defense has allowed an average of 69.5 points.

The matchup between these two teams has been favorable for Akron in recent meetings, as they have won both of their previous encounters this season, with scores of 81-73 and 87-82. The Zips' ability to consistently outperform the Cardinals has established a trend that was evident in this latest game.

In terms of the betting market, DraftKings had priced Akron as the heavy favorites with a spread of -20.5 and a moneyline of -2800, while Ball State was set at +1300 on the moneyline. The total for the game was set at 152.5, reflecting expectations for a high-scoring affair, which ultimately played out as both teams combined for a total of 164 points.

The game conditions were conducive to a competitive atmosphere, with both teams looking to establish their game early. Akron's recent home record and scoring averages suggested they would dominate, and they did not disappoint. Key moments in the second half included several three-point shots from Shammah Scott, which kept Ball State within striking distance at times, but Akron's offensive depth proved too much to handle.

As the game progressed, Akron's ability to maintain their lead was evident, particularly as they executed crucial free throws in the closing moments, with Armoni Zeigler contributing significantly from the charity stripe. The Zips' performance not only solidified their position in the league but also highlighted their capability to compete at a high level as they approach the latter part of the season.

Overall, this game showcased the contrasting fortunes of both teams, with Akron continuing their pursuit of excellence while Ball State seeks answers to their ongoing struggles.

Odds

Book	Spread	Total	Moneyline
DraftKings	AKR -20.5	152.5 o -112 / u -108	Ball State Cardinals +1300 · Akron Zips -2800

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

Leaders

PointsTavari Johnson22Akron Zips
AssistsTavari Johnson7Akron Zips
ReboundsAmani Lyles12Akron Zips
PointsArmoni Zeigler30Ball State Cardinals
AssistsDavion Hill3Ball State Cardinals
ReboundsCam Denson7Ball State Cardinals

Recent form

Akron Zips

Last 10: 7-3Streak W292.4 scored · 78.9 allowed per game5-2 at home

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
W105-81vs Milwaukee PanthersNov 30
L94-97vs Yale BulldogsNov 25

Ball State Cardinals

Last 10: 2-8Streak L367.8 scored · 69.5 allowed per game0-5 away

L71-79at Massachusetts MinutemenJan 10
L52-74vs Eastern Michigan EaglesJan 7
L72-85at Buffalo BullsJan 3
W93-30vs Earlham QuakersDec 30
L77-86vs Miami (OH) RedHawksDec 20
L64-69at Campbell Fighting CamelsDec 14
L64-68vs South Dakota State JackrabbitsDec 10
L52-64at Evansville Purple AcesDec 4
W96-85vs Le Moyne DolphinsNov 30
L37-55at Lafayette LeopardsNov 29

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	Ball State Cardinals	Akron Zips
Field goals	27-56	30-63
Field goal %	48	48
Three-pointers	8-25	13-35
Three-point %	32	37
Free throws	15-19	14-16
Free throw %	79	88
Rebounds	31	33
Offensive rebounds	7	9
Defensive rebounds	24	24
Assists	8	16
Steals	6	7
Blocks	1	4
Turnovers	10	8
Team turnovers	0	0
Technical fouls	0	0
Technical fouls, total	0	0
Flagrant fouls	0	0
Points off turnovers	11	8
Fast-break points	7	12
Points in the paint	34	30
Fouls	14	15
Largest lead	0	22
Lead changes	0	0
Time in front	0	95

How the scoring went

2nd Half36-55Tavari Johnson makes layup
2nd Half38-55Devon Barnes makes layup (Cam Denson assists)
2nd Half38-57Tavari Johnson makes driving layup
2nd Half41-57Davion Hill makes 26-foot three point jumper
2nd Half41-59Ognjen Stankovic makes 3-foot turnaround jump shot (Tavari Johnson assists)
2nd Half43-59Elmore James IV makes 10-foot turnaround jump shot
2nd Half43-60Marvin Musiime-Kamali makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half45-60Davion Hill makes driving layup
2nd Half45-62Shammah Scott makes layup
2nd Half45-64Tavari Johnson makes driving layup
2nd Half48-64Elmore James IV makes 24-foot three point jumper
2nd Half48-67Tavari Johnson makes 26-foot three pointer
2nd Half50-67Davion Hill makes driving layup
2nd Half50-69Tavari Johnson makes 16-foot turnaround jump shot
2nd Half50-71Evan Mahaffey makes layup
2nd Half52-71Armoni Zeigler makes layup
2nd Half52-74Zach Halligan makes 23-foot three point jumper (Evan Mahaffey assists)
2nd Half54-74Armoni Zeigler makes 11-foot turnaround jump shot
2nd Half55-74Cam Denson makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half57-74Armoni Zeigler makes driving layup
2nd Half59-74Preston Copeland makes layup
2nd Half59-76Amani Lyles makes layup (Evan Mahaffey assists)
2nd Half62-76Cam Denson makes 22-foot three point jumper (Davion Hill assists)
2nd Half65-76Armoni Zeigler makes 25-foot three point jumper (Preston Copeland assists)
2nd Half65-77Amani Lyles makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half65-78Amani Lyles makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half65-79Shammah Scott makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half65-80Shammah Scott makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half66-80Davion Hill makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half67-80Davion Hill makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half68-80Cam Denson makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half69-80Cam Denson makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half69-83Shammah Scott makes 28-foot three point jumper (Evan Mahaffey assists)
2nd Half72-83Devon Barnes makes 26-foot three point jumper (Davion Hill assists)
2nd Half72-86Shammah Scott makes 27-foot three point jumper
2nd Half74-86Davion Hill makes 10-foot jumper
2nd Half74-87Amani Lyles makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half75-87Armoni Zeigler makes free throw 1 of 3
2nd Half76-87Armoni Zeigler makes free throw 2 of 3
2nd Half77-87Armoni Zeigler makes free throw 3 of 3