NCAAB · Final

Akron Zips Defeat Western Michigan Broncos 104-89

104

Saturday, January 17, 2026, 2:00 PM ET · James A. Rhodes Arena

Akron Zips 104, Western Michigan Broncos 89, 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 Western Michigan Broncos vs Akron Zips?

Akron Zips beat Western Michigan Broncos 104-89 at James A. Rhodes Arena on January 17, 2026.

Who was favored in Western Michigan Broncos vs Akron Zips?

Akron Zips were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -4500 (about 98% implied). The favorite won.

In an impressive display, the Akron Zips secured a decisive victory over the Western Michigan Broncos, finishing the game with a score of 104-89. This matchup, held at the James A. Rhodes Arena, highlighted Akron's strong home performance and their ability to maintain momentum following a three-game winning streak. With this win, the Zips improved their home record to 7-1 for the season, showcasing their dominance in familiar territory.

Akron entered the game with a solid overall record of 14-4, while Western Michigan struggled with a 7-11 record. The Zips have been particularly formidable in their recent outings, winning eight of their last ten games, averaging 91.7 points scored per game while allowing 76.9 points. Their last five games reflected a similar trend, with an average of 86.8 points scored and 70.6 points allowed. In contrast, the Broncos had a record of 4-6 in their last ten games and were on a one-game losing streak. They averaged 75.8 points scored and allowed 78.5 points in that stretch, indicating a less consistent performance.

The game saw Akron continue its trend of high-scoring affairs, a hallmark of their recent form. Their scoring prowess has been evident in their last few games, including a recent 87-77 win against Ball State and a 115-64 blowout against Concord. The Zips' ability to score in bunches was on full display as they built a significant lead, which they maintained throughout the contest. The Broncos, while showing flashes of competitiveness, were unable to keep pace with Akron's offensive output.

Historically, this matchup has favored Akron, as they entered the game with a 1-0 record against Western Michigan from their previous meeting on February 12, 2025, where they won 105-92. This recent history likely contributed to the Zips' confidence heading into the game.

In terms of injuries, both teams appeared to be at full strength, which allowed for a competitive matchup without significant disruptions. The absence of key players can often impact game dynamics, but both teams were able to field their regular lineups.

The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, indicated Akron as heavy favorites with a spread of -21.5 and a money line of -4500. In contrast, Western Michigan was listed at +1700 on the money line, reflecting the perceived disparity in team strength. The total for the game was set at 163.5, suggesting expectations for a high-scoring affair, which ultimately materialized.

Conditions in the arena were favorable for basketball, with a lively crowd supporting the home team. The atmosphere likely energized the Zips, contributing to their strong performance. Viewers were treated to a showcase of offensive talent, particularly from Akron, who executed their game plan effectively.

As the game progressed, key moments included several scoring plays that highlighted the Zips' offensive depth. Notable contributions came from players like Justice Williams, who made a significant impact with a 24-foot three-point jumper, and Eric Mahaffey, who contributed crucial free throws down the stretch. The Zips’ ability to convert free throws, particularly in the closing moments, helped seal their victory.

Overall, this game underscored Akron's capabilities as a formidable opponent in the NCAAB landscape, particularly on their home court. The Zips' offensive firepower and defensive resilience were key factors in their victory over Western Michigan, who will need to regroup as they continue their season.

Odds

Book	Spread	Total	Moneyline
DraftKings	AKR -21.5	163.5 o -112 / u -108	Western Michigan Broncos +1700 · Akron Zips -4500

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

Leaders

PointsTavari Johnson32Akron Zips
AssistsTavari Johnson8Akron Zips
ReboundsAmani Lyles6Akron Zips
PointsJustice Williams28Western Michigan Broncos
AssistsJalen Griffith8Western Michigan Broncos
ReboundsJayden Brewer7Western Michigan Broncos

Recent form

Akron Zips

Last 10: 8-2Streak W391.7 scored · 76.9 allowed per game6-1 at home

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
W97-77vs Bucknell BisonDec 4
W105-81vs Milwaukee PanthersNov 30

Western Michigan Broncos

Last 10: 4-6Streak L175.8 scored · 78.5 allowed per game1-4 away

L82-85vs Massachusetts MinutemenJan 14
W79-62vs Eastern Michigan EaglesJan 10
L76-87at Miami (OH) RedHawksJan 7
L79-84at Toledo RocketsDec 30
W94-57vs Defiance Yellow JacketsDec 22
L71-88vs Buffalo BullsDec 20
L51-91at Iowa HawkeyesDec 14
W83-73at SIU Edwardsville CougarsDec 6
W88-74vs Southern Indiana Screaming EaglesDec 4
L55-84at Valparaiso BeaconsNov 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	Western Michigan Broncos	Akron Zips
Field goals	34-61	38-67
Field goal %	56	57
Three-pointers	12-26	20-35
Three-point %	46	57
Free throws	9-14	8-9
Free throw %	64	89
Rebounds	28	31
Offensive rebounds	11	12
Defensive rebounds	17	19
Assists	17	23
Steals	2	8
Blocks	2	3
Turnovers	12	8
Team turnovers	1	0
Technical fouls	0	0
Technical fouls, total	0	0
Flagrant fouls	0	0
Points off turnovers	14	23
Fast-break points	8	23
Points in the paint	30	32
Fouls	15	13
Largest lead	14	16
Lead changes	10	10
Time in front	42	56

How the scoring went

2nd Half58-55Shammah Scott makes 23-foot three point jumper (Eric Mahaffey assists)
2nd Half58-58Tavari Johnson makes 24-foot three point jumper (Marvin Musiime-Kamali assists)
2nd Half58-60Marvin Musiime-Kamali makes layup (Shammah Scott assists)
2nd Half58-63Shammah Scott makes 24-foot three point jumper
2nd Half58-65Shammah Scott makes driving layup
2nd Half60-65Brady Swartz makes driving layup
2nd Half60-66Amani Lyles makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half62-66Justice Williams makes layup
2nd Half62-69Shammah Scott makes 23-foot three point jumper (Tavari Johnson assists)
2nd Half65-69Justice Williams makes 26-foot three point jumper
2nd Half65-71Tavari Johnson makes layup
2nd Half67-71Carson Vis makes 14-foot jumper
2nd Half68-71Carson Vis makes free throw 1 of 1
2nd Half68-74Zach Halligan makes 24-foot three point jumper (Evan Mahaffey assists)
2nd Half70-74Max Burton makes layup (Jalen Griffith assists)
2nd Half70-76Tavari Johnson makes 16-foot pullup jump shot
2nd Half70-78Shammah Scott makes layup (Tavari Johnson assists)
2nd Half72-78Brady Swartz makes layup (Max Burton assists)
2nd Half72-80Amani Lyles makes layup (Tavari Johnson assists)
2nd Half74-80Brady Swartz makes layup
2nd Half75-80Brady Swartz makes free throw 1 of 1
2nd Half75-83Bowen Hardman makes 24-foot three point jumper (Shammah Scott assists)
2nd Half75-85Tavari Johnson makes layup (Evan Mahaffey assists)
2nd Half77-85Jayden Brewer makes layup (Brady Swartz assists)
2nd Half77-87Amani Lyles makes layup
2nd Half77-90Amani Lyles makes 24-foot three point jumper (Tavari Johnson assists)
2nd Half79-90Jayden Brewer makes layup
2nd Half79-93Shammah Scott makes 25-foot three pointer
2nd Half80-93Brady Swartz makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half80-96Eric Mahaffey makes 23-foot three point jumper (Shammah Scott assists)
2nd Half82-96Justice Williams makes layup (Sharod Barnes assists)
2nd Half85-96Jayden Brewer makes 22-foot three point jumper (Sharod Barnes assists)
2nd Half85-98Tavari Johnson makes layup
2nd Half88-98Justice Williams makes 24-foot three point jumper (Sharod Barnes assists)
2nd Half88-99Eric Mahaffey makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half88-100Eric Mahaffey makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half88-102Shammah Scott makes driving layup
2nd Half88-103Tavari Johnson makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half88-104Tavari Johnson makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half89-104Justice Williams makes free throw 1 of 2