Akron Zips Defeat Central Michigan Chippewas 82-69
Tuesday, January 6, 2026, 7:00 PM ET · James A. Rhodes Arena
Akron Zips 82, Central Michigan Chippewas 69, 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 Central Michigan Chippewas vs Akron Zips?
Akron Zips beat Central Michigan Chippewas 82-69 at James A. Rhodes Arena on January 6, 2026.
Who was favored in Central Michigan Chippewas vs Akron Zips?
Akron Zips were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -6500 (about 98% implied). The favorite won.
In a decisive matchup at James A. Rhodes Arena, the Akron Zips secured an 82-69 victory over the Central Michigan Chippewas, showcasing their strong performance on home turf. This game was particularly noteworthy as it highlighted the contrasting fortunes of both teams, with Akron boasting a home record of 11-4 compared to Central Michigan's away record of just 4-12.
Akron entered the game with a recent form of 7-3 over their last ten games, although they were on a one-game losing streak after falling to Miami (OH) RedHawks just days prior. The Zips averaged 95.8 points scored and allowed 78.7 points during this stretch, indicating their high-scoring capabilities but also a vulnerability on defense. In their last five games, they maintained an average of 93.8 points scored while allowing 79.6, further emphasizing their offensive strength.
In contrast, Central Michigan struggled significantly, recording only two wins in their last ten games and currently on a four-game losing streak. They averaged 73.3 points scored and allowed 80.5 points during this period, reflecting their difficulties both offensively and defensively. Their recent performances included a close loss to Toledo Rockets and a defeat against Ohio Bobcats, both of which highlighted their struggles to maintain competitiveness.
At home, Akron has performed well with a 5-2 record, while Central Michigan has yet to win an away game this season, sitting at 0-6. This disparity in home and away performance played a crucial role in the outcome of the game.
Historically, Akron has had the upper hand in their previous meetings with Central Michigan, winning both encounters in the 2025 season. Their prior matchups included a close 85-82 victory and a more comfortable 87-71 win, suggesting a trend of dominance that continued in this latest game.
In terms of injuries, the block did not provide specific details, but the performance of both teams may have been influenced by player availability. The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, set the odds with Akron favored by a spread of -23.5, indicating a strong expectation for their performance. The total points line was set at 164.5, suggesting an anticipated high-scoring affair, which was reflected in the final score.
The game was played under typical basketball conditions, with both teams looking to establish their rhythm early on. Akron's ability to score efficiently, particularly in the second half, was a key factor in their victory. Notable plays included a series of free throws and layups by Phat Phat Brooks, who contributed significantly to the Zips' scoring in the latter stages of the game.
Fans watching the game should have noted the offensive strategies employed by Akron, particularly their use of fast breaks and effective ball movement, which allowed them to create open shots. Central Michigan, while showing moments of resilience, struggled to keep pace with Akron's scoring output, particularly in the second half, where Akron pulled away decisively.
In summary, the matchup between the Akron Zips and Central Michigan Chippewas was a clear demonstration of the Zips' home advantage and offensive prowess, leading to a well-earned victory that solidified their standing in the league.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | AKR -23.5 | 164.5 o -105 / u -115 | Central Michigan Chippewas +2000 · Akron Zips -6500 |
Leaders
- PointsTavari Johnson22Akron Zips
- AssistsTavari Johnson10Akron Zips
- ReboundsAmani Lyles7Akron Zips
- PointsTamario Adley20Central Michigan Chippewas
- AssistsPhat Phat Brooks3Central Michigan Chippewas
- ReboundsTamario Adley6Central Michigan Chippewas
Recent form
Akron Zips
Last 10: 7-3Streak L195.8 scored · 78.7 allowed per game5-2 at home
- 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
- W97-59at Evansville Purple AcesNov 24
- W96-75vs Iona GaelsNov 21
Central Michigan Chippewas
Last 10: 2-8Streak L473.3 scored · 80.5 allowed per game0-6 away
- L75-78vs Toledo RocketsJan 3
- L64-80vs Ohio BobcatsDec 30
- L61-88at Wisconsin BadgersDec 23
- L73-74at Northern Illinois HuskiesDec 20
- W85-65vs Olivet CometsDec 18
- L55-78at Stony Brook SeawolvesDec 13
- L65-107at Saint Louis BillikensDec 7
- L72-83at Loyola Chicago RamblersDec 3
- W112-67vs Adrian BulldogsNov 26
- L71-85at Marquette Golden EaglesNov 22
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 | Central Michigan Chippewas | Akron Zips |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 21-47 | 33-58 |
| Field goal % | 45 | 57 |
| Three-pointers | 5-17 | 10-25 |
| Three-point % | 29 | 40 |
| Free throws | 22-27 | 6-9 |
| Free throw % | 81 | 67 |
| Rebounds | 20 | 34 |
| Offensive rebounds | 5 | 11 |
| Defensive rebounds | 15 | 23 |
| Assists | 12 | 22 |
| Steals | 10 | 12 |
| Blocks | 3 | 2 |
| Turnovers | 17 | 19 |
| Team turnovers | 2 | 2 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 21 | 24 |
| Fast-break points | 18 | 13 |
| Points in the paint | 26 | 42 |
| Fouls | 12 | 19 |
| Largest lead | 0 | 18 |
| Lead changes | 0 | 0 |
| Time in front | 0 | 95 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half32-45Sharron Young makes 3-foot jumper
- 2nd Half32-47Amani Lyles makes 1-foot dunk (Tavari Johnson assists)
- 2nd Half35-47Tamario Adley makes 24-foot three point jumper (Phat Phat Brooks assists)
- 2nd Half35-49Evan Mahaffey makes layup (Tavari Johnson assists)
- 2nd Half38-49Tamario Adley makes 25-foot three point jumper (Phat Phat Brooks assists)
- 2nd Half38-52Tavari Johnson makes 25-foot three point jumper (Evan Mahaffey assists)
- 2nd Half41-52Tamario Adley makes 24-foot three point jumper (Phat Phat Brooks assists)
- 2nd Half41-54Evan Mahaffey makes layup (Tavari Johnson assists)
- 2nd Half42-54Nathan Claerbaut makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half43-54Nathan Claerbaut makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half43-55Eric Mahaffey makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half45-55Phat Phat Brooks makes driving layup
- 2nd Half45-58Bowen Hardman makes 26-foot three point jumper (Tavari Johnson assists)
- 2nd Half47-58Logan McIntire makes 2-foot dunk
- 2nd Half47-60Amani Lyles makes layup (Shammah Scott assists)
- 2nd Half48-60Logan McIntire makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half49-60Logan McIntire makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half49-63Tavari Johnson makes 25-foot three point jumper (Sharron Young assists)
- 2nd Half49-64Eric Mahaffey makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half49-67Tavari Johnson makes 25-foot three point jumper (Evan Mahaffey assists)
- 2nd Half51-67Logan McIntire makes layup
- 2nd Half53-67Will Ashford makes layup (Logan McIntire assists)
- 2nd Half54-67Jalen Kampen makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half54-70Tavari Johnson makes 26-foot three point jumper (Evan Mahaffey assists)
- 2nd Half57-70Tamario Adley makes 25-foot three point jumper (Jaxson Whitaker assists)
- 2nd Half57-73Sharron Young makes 26-foot three pointer
- 2nd Half57-74Sharron Young makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half57-75Sharron Young makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half59-75Tamario Adley makes driving layup
- 2nd Half59-77Amani Lyles makes layup (Tavari Johnson assists)
- 2nd Half60-77Nathan Claerbaut makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half61-77Nathan Claerbaut makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half62-77Phat Phat Brooks makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half63-77Phat Phat Brooks makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half64-77Phat Phat Brooks makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half66-77Phat Phat Brooks makes layup (Will Ashford assists)
- 2nd Half67-77Phat Phat Brooks makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half67-80Shammah Scott makes 24-foot three point jumper (Sharron Young assists)
- 2nd Half67-82Amani Lyles makes layup
- 2nd Half69-82Tamario Adley makes layup
Win probability
Above the line favours Akron Zips, below favours Central Michigan Chippewas.
Venue
- James A. Rhodes ArenaAkron, OH
- Attendance1623
- OfficialsBryan Anslinger, Jason Phillips, Tim Stewart
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