Preview: Central Michigan at Akron

AKRON, Ohio (Interstat) — The Akron Zips look to rebound from a narrow conference road loss when they host the struggling Central Michigan Chippewas in a Mid-American Conference men’s basketball game Tuesday night.

Akron (9-4, 0-1 MAC) enters the contest at James A. Rhodes Arena after a 76-73 defeat at Miami (Ohio) on Saturday. The Zips had won four of their previous five, including non-conference victories over Tulane and Milwaukee. Forward Eric Mahaffey is coming off a double-double with 10 points and 13 rebounds in the loss to the RedHawks.

Central Michigan (4-11, 0-1) seeks to end a five-game skid, most recently falling 78-75 to Toledo at home on Saturday. The Chippewas’ season has been marked by defensive struggles, allowing 80 or more points in eight of their 11 losses.

A key matchup will feature Central Michigan’s Nathan Claerbaut against Akron’s interior defense. Claerbaut, a consistent performer for the Chippewas, averaged 14.5 points over his last six games, including a 31-point outing in a win over Olivet. He posted 13 points and three rebounds in the loss to Toledo.

Akron’s balance will be a challenge for Central Michigan. In the loss to Miami (Ohio), guard Tavari Johnson scored 22 points while forward Amani Lyles added 16 points and nine rebounds, complementing Mahaffey’s work on the glass.

The Zips have dominated non-conference play at home, winning by an average of 38 points in their four victories in Akron. Central Michigan is 0-7 in true road games this season, with losses by an average margin of 22.7 points.

Tuesday’s game tips off at 7 p.m. EST. Following this contest, Akron travels to face Bowling Green on Saturday, while Central Michigan hosts Kent State.