Preview: Akron Looks to Extend Win Streak at Central Michigan MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. (Interstat) — The surging Akron Zips, winners of seven straight, will face the Central Michigan Chippewas in a Mid-American Conference men’s basketball game Tuesday at McGuirk Arena. Akron (22-5) enters as one of the conference’s hottest teams, having averaged 90.4 points per game during its current seven-game win streak. The Zips are coming off a dominant 92-70 road victory over rival Kent State on Friday. Central Michigan (10-19) has shown recent signs of life, securing a 75-70 road win at Buffalo on Saturday. The Chippewas have split their last four contests. The matchup features two of the MAC’s top playmakers. Akron guard Tavari Johnson has been exceptional, scoring at least 22 points in four of his last five games, including a 25-point, six-assist effort in a win at Ball State on Feb. 20. He leads the Zips’ high-octane attack. Central Michigan will counter with guard Phat Phat Brooks, who is coming off a 14-point, eight-assist performance against Buffalo. Brooks recorded a double-double with 12 points and 11 assists in a narrow loss to Massachusetts on Feb. 3. In the teams’ first meeting this season on Jan. 6, Akron secured an 82-69 home victory. The Zips have not lost since Feb. 7. For Central Michigan, the game represents an opportunity to play spoiler against the conference front-runner on its home floor. The Chippewas’ Nathan Claerbaut, who had 11 points and four blocks against Buffalo, will be key defensively against Akron’s potent offense. Akron’s next game is at home against Northern Illinois on Friday. Central Michigan travels to face Ball State on the same night. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. EST.