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Akron Zips @ Yale Bulldogs
Current records: Akron 6-3, Yale 5-5
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What you should know
The Yale Bulldogs and Akron Zips will compete for holiday cheer on Friday at 7:00 p.m. ET at the Don Haskins Center. The Bulldogs have some offensive power and have averaged 82.1 points per game this season.
Yale suffered a loss on the road on December 2nd, but their home fans gave them the motivation they needed two weeks ago. They defeated Vermont 65-50.
Meanwhile, Akron unfortunately saw its five-game winning streak end on Sunday. They suffered a bitter 100-81 defeat against Milwaukee.
Despite their defeat, several players in Akron rose to the challenge and made remarkable plays. Tavari Johnson, who had 22 points and two steals, was perhaps the best of them all. Nate Johnson was another key player, scoring 19 points along with six rebounds and two steals.
Yale increased its record to 5-5 with the win, which was its third straight home win. As for Akron, the loss dropped its record to 6-3.
Friday's game is shaping up to be a shooting masterclass: Yale has shot from deep this season, making 38.5% of its three-pointers per game. It's not like Akron is struggling in that regard, however, as they've drained 36.8% of their three-pointers this season. Given these competing strengths, it will be interesting to see how their clash unfolds.
Yale hopes to beat the odds on Friday as pundits believe they are headed for defeat. For those looking to play the spread, keep Yale in mind: They have a solid 6-3 record against the spread this season.
Opportunities
According to the latest college basketball odds, Akron is a 3.5-point favorite against Yale.
The line has shifted a bit towards the Zips as the game began with the Zips as 1.5 point favorites.
The over/under is 155.5 points.
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