Who's Playing

Ball State @ Akron

Current Records: Ball State 7-7; Akron 8-4

What to Know

The Ball State Cardinals lost both of their matches to the Akron Zips last season on scores of 42-74 and 79-88, so they're hoping to turn the tables this season. The Cardinals and Akron will face off in a Mid-American battle at 7 p.m. ET Tuesday at James A. Rhodes Arena. Ball State should still be riding high after a victory, while Akron will be looking to get back in the win column.

The Eastern Michigan Eagles typically have all the answers at home, but this past Saturday Ball State proved too difficult a challenge. Ball State snuck past the Eagles with a 78-72 win. It took five tries, but Ball State can finally say that they have a win on the road.

Meanwhile, the Zips entered their contest against the Ohio Bobcats last Tuesday without any home losses -- but there's a first time for everything. Akron was within striking distance but couldn't close the gap as they fell 69-63 to Ohio. Guard Ali Ali (22 points) was the top scorer for Akron.

Ball State is expected to lose this next one by 8.5. They are currently four-for-four against the spread in their most recent games, however, a trend bettors might want to take into account.

The Cardinals' victory brought them up to 7-7 while the Zips' loss pulled them down to 8-4. A pair of defensive stats to keep an eye on: Ball State is stumbling into the matchup with the 19th most points allowed per game in college basketball, having given up 76.8 on average. Akron's defense has more to brag about, as they they enter the game with only 61.5 points allowed per game on average, good for 29th best in college basketball. So the cards are definitely stacked in their favor.

How To Watch

  • When: Tuesday at 7 p.m. ET
  • Where: James A. Rhodes Arena -- Akron, Ohio
  • Follow: CBS Sports App
  • Ticket Cost: $38.00

Odds

The Zips are a big 8.5-point favorite against the Cardinals, according to the latest college basketball odds.

The oddsmakers were right in line with the betting community on this one, as the game opened as an 8.5-point spread, and stayed right there.

Over/Under: -110

See college basketball picks for every single game, including this one, from SportsLine's advanced computer model. Get picks now.

Series History

Akron have won six out of their last nine games against Ball State.

  • Feb 19, 2021 - Akron 88 vs. Ball State 79
  • Jan 30, 2021 - Akron 74 vs. Ball State 42
  • Jan 10, 2020 - Akron 75 vs. Ball State 60
  • Feb 16, 2019 - Ball State 57 vs. Akron 56
  • Feb 13, 2018 - Ball State 90 vs. Akron 77
  • Jan 27, 2018 - Ball State 111 vs. Akron 106
  • Mar 10, 2017 - Akron 74 vs. Ball State 70
  • Feb 07, 2017 - Akron 65 vs. Ball State 63
  • Jan 30, 2016 - Akron 73 vs. Ball State 64