The Akron Zips are the best team in the MAC, finishing the season with a 13-5 record in conference play. They will be a big favorite over the Eastern Michigan Eagles in the conference tourney on Thursday, and the Eagles look like a dangerous underdog. My money is on Eastern Michigan plus the points.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Previous History - There's no doubt that Eastern Michigan is the hotter team, coming in as winners of five of their last six overall. The Zips have lost three of their last seven, and they failed to cover in a 92-88 home win over the Eagles in January.

2. Three Point Shooting - The Zips were ice cold from beyond the arc in their last game, but that didn't stop them from throwing up outside shots. They attempted a whopping 33 three-point shots, hitting just 21.2 percent. Senior forward Reggie McAdams was 0-for-11 from three-point range in the win over Kent State.

3. X-Factor - History favors the Eagles, who have covered the spread in four of their last five meetings with Akron.

Selection: This is a play on the Eastern Michigan Eagles (10*)