MAC WBB Preview for Wednesday, 1/18/17

Buffalo takes on Bowling Green in the only divisional match-up of the day. Most of the action involves teams with winning records against teams with a losing record. The only exception is when Ohio takes on Toledo. In football, when we see a lot of match-ups like this, we say, “Look out, it could be upset Saturday.” A lot of times, we are proven correct.

Akron Zips (7-9, 0-5 MAC) at Northern Illinois Huskies (12-4, 5-0)

This noon tip-off is the classic high scoring, highly regarded team against the scrappy team that is a tougher out than their near .500 record would indicate.

Ally Lehman is one of the best players in the country, averaging 17 points, 10.8 rebounds, 6.9 assists and 1.9 steals per contest. It’s worth tuning into the game just to watch this ball of energy. She is, to say the least, not all NIU has. Lehman is one of three Huskies averaging 17 points per game. Along with every starter in double digits, Janae Poisson comes off the bench and scores 10.5 points per game.

Akron holds their opponents under 40% from the floor per game, but can’t get over the Mendoza line themselves. They make up for their lack of shooting with hustle.

Hannah Plybon leads the Zips with 17.9 points per contest.

When: Wednesday, 1/18, 12 noon

Watch: ESPN3 or via stream at WatchESPN

Listen: FoxSports Radio 1350 in Akron, or via stream at sportsradio1350.iheart.com

Ohio Bobcats (12-4, 3-2) at Toledo Rockets (12-4, 3-2)

In the the only match up of teams with a winning record, this should be a low scoring game, where points will be at a premium. Both teams do a good job on defense, but aren’t particularly potent on offense.

Toledo is a score by committee offense, led by Jay Bravo-Harriett at 12.2 points per game.

Ohio is led by Quiera Lampkins at 19.2 points a game. Ohio ranks dead last in rebounding margin in the MAC, while Toledo is middle of the pack. If Ohio wants to get the road upset, they will need to do a better job on the boards.

When: Wednesday, 1/18, 7pm

Watch: ESPN3 or via stream on WatchESPN

Listen: Via stream at either utrockets.com or ohiobobcats.com

Buffalo Bulls (12-4, 2-3) at Bowling Green Falcons (5-12, 1-4)

Buffalo wins their games by mauling their opponents on the glass. As a team, they own an 11.6 edge on the glass per game. Only one Bull averages in double figures, JoAnna Smith with 14.3.

Carley Santoro is the only Falcon that scores in double figures, at 12.5 ppg. Turnovers kill the Falcons. To win this game, they will need to keep the turnovers in check.

When: Wednesday, 1/18, 7pm

Watch: ESPN3 or via stream on WatchESPN

Listen: 88.1 FM WBGU in Bowling Green or via the internet

Didn’t see your favorite team in this preview? Part 2 will be out tomorrow before noon.