Akron Zips vs. Buffalo Bulls: How to watch live stream, TV channel, NCAA Basketball start time

2nd Quarter Report

Only zero more halves stand between Akron and the victory they were favored to collect coming into this evening. They have a bit of a cushion as they currently lead Buffalo 76-59.

Akron entered the contest having won three straight and they're just zero halves away from another. Will they make it four, or will Buffalo step up and spoil it? We'll know soon.

Who's Playing

Buffalo Bulls @ Akron Zips

Current Records: Buffalo 2-13, Akron 11-4

How To Watch

When: Friday, January 12, 2024 at 7 p.m. ET
Where: James A. Rhodes Arena -- Akron, Ohio
TV: CBS Sports Network
Follow: CBS Sports App
Watch on Connected TV: CBS Sports App on Roku and Fire TV
Online Streaming: Catch select College Basketball matches on Fubo (Try for free. Regional restrictions may apply.)
Ticket Cost: $17.85

What to Know

Buffalo has enjoyed a two-game homestand but will soon have to dust off their road jerseys. The Buffalo Bulls and the Akron Zips will face off in a Mid American battle at 7:00 p.m. ET on Friday at James A. Rhodes Arena. Coming off a loss in a game Buffalo was expected to win, they now face the more daunting task of proving themselves against unfavorable odds.

Buffalo managed to keep up with Miami (Ohio) until halftime on Tuesday, but things quickly went downhill from there. The Bulls found themselves the reluctant recipients of a 86-65 punch to the gut against the RedHawks. Buffalo found out winning isn't easy when your shooting is a whole 19.1% worse than the opposition.

Despite the defeat, Buffalo had strong showings from Shawn Fulcher, who scored 20 points, and Ryan Sabol, who scored 14 points. As a matter of fact, that's the most points Fulcher has scored all season.

Meanwhile, Akron had already won two in a row (a stretch where they outscored their opponents by an average of 19 points), and they went ahead and made it three on Tuesday. They secured a 80-76 W over the Cardinals.

Akron got their win on the backs of several key players, but it was Ali Ali out in front who scored 17 points. Enrique Freeman was another key contributor, dropping a double-double on 14 points and 13 rebounds.

The Bulls' loss was their fifth straight at home, which bumped their record down to 2-13. As for the Zips, they have been performing incredibly well recently as they've won seven of their last eight games, which provided a nice bump to their 11-4 record this season.

This contest is one where the number of possessions is likely to be a big factor: Buffalo have been smashing the glass this season, having averaged 36.4 rebounds per game. However, it's not like Akron struggles in that department as they've been averaging 36.5 rebounds per game. Given these competing strengths, it'll be interesting to see how their clash plays out.

Buffalo might still be hurting after the devastating 101-77 loss they got from Akron in their previous matchup back in March of 2023. Can Buffalo avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.