2021 MAC Men’s Basketball Preview: February 16

Ten of the twelve MAC schools play on Tuesday, with only Central Michigan and Ohio missing out on the #MACtion, after their match up was postponed.

Northern Illinois Huskies (2-11, 1-7 MAC) at Akron Zips (12-4, 10-3 MAC)

Game Info:
When: 2:00 p.m. EST
Watch: ESPN3
Where: James A. Rhodes Arena — Akron, OH
Odds: Akron has a 96.0% chance to win according to ESPN’s BPI predictor

The Huskies come in to the game sitting at the very bottom of the MAC standings. After missing six games due to covid issues, NIU played their first game in nearly a month on Saturday and it didn’t go well, losing by 22 to Kent State. It will be a hard climb for the rusty Huskies to get a win in Akron as the Zips have won eight of their last nine games and are currently sitting just half a game out of first place. Momentum and depth both favor Akron here.

NIU Huskies - 62
Akron Zips - 84

Buffalo Bulls (9-6, 7-4 MAC) at EMU Eagles (4-8, 1-7 MAC)

Game Info:
When: 5:00 p.m. EST
Watch: ESPN3
Where: Convocation Center — Ypsilanti, MI
Odds: Buffalo has an 88.5% chance to win according to ESPN’s BPI predictor

Buffalo will look to keep their momentum going. The Bulls have won three straight games and destroyed their opponents while doing so - winning those games by an average of 25.3 points! The Eagles, on the other hand, have lost four consecutive games each by double digits. EMU will try to break their tie with NIU for worst conference record...but the Bulls should prove to be too much here.

Buffalo Bulls - 79
EMU Eagles - 61

Bowling Green Falcons (11-9, 7-7 MAC) at Ball State Cardinals (7-9, 5-6 MAC)

Game Info:
When: 7:00 p.m. EST
Watch: ESPN3
Where: Worthen Arena — Muncie, IN
Odds: Bowling Green has a 52.6% chance to win according to ESPN’s BPI predictor

In what should be one of the closest games of the day, the Falcons and Cardinals will both look to keep winning. The Cardinals and Falcons won their last games, both against the first place Toledo Rockets no less, and ended long losing streaks - BG had lost six in a row prior to Saturday and Ball State had lost four straight before beating Toledo on Feb. 6th (their last game). But, while it should be close, it’s hard to bet against Justin Tucker in clutch moments. BGSU wins it late.

BG Falcons - 74
Ball State Cardinals - 71

Miami RedHawks (8-8, 5-6 MAC) at Toledo Rockets (16-6, 11-3 MAC)

Game Info:
When: 7:00 p.m. EST
Watch: N/A
Where: Savage Arena — Toledo, OH
Odds: Toledo has an 89.8% chance to win according to ESPN’s BPI predictor

The only game not televised on ESPN3 is this match up between the RedHawks and the “struggling” Rockets. Toledo has lost their last two games and has given Akron a chance to steal the top spot in the MAC if they make it three in a row. However, Miami comes into this game having lost their last three and four of their last five. With only six games remaining, this is a must win for Toledo if they want to keep their first place spot. Look for them to come out energized and get the win here.

Miami RedHawks - 73
Toledo Rockets - 85

Kent State Golden Flashes (12-5, 9-4 MAC) at WMU Broncos (4-12, 3-8 MAC)

Game Info:
When: 7:00 p.m. EST
Watch: N/A
Where: University Arena — Kalamazoo, MI
Odds: Kent State has an 84.1% chance to win according to ESPN’s BPI predictor

The Flashes are 8-2 in their last ten games while the Broncos enter the day with the exact opposite record, 2-8, in that same span. Kent State should have the talent and depth to outscore, out-rebound, and out-play the Broncos. But, every so often, WMU clicks and can keep up with anybody. Unfortunately, I don’t see that happening here.

Kent State Golden Flashes - 76
WMU Broncos - 62