In this article, we will formulate an Arizona vs Akron prediction for this College Basketball game on Friday, March 21 at the Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle, WA. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this game in the 1st Round of the NCAA Tournament. The winner of this game will meet Oregon or Liberty in the 2nd Round.
Akron Zips Betting Preview
The Akron Zips (28-6, 16-16 ATS) proved to be the best team in the MAC after losing just one game in conference play this season. The Zips concluded the regular season with four consecutive wins and secured the No. 1 seed for the conference tournament. Akron defeated Bowling Green and Toledo without trouble in the quarterfinals and semifinals, respectively, but needed to work hard in the finals against Miami (OH). The Zips still prevailed and snatched a 76-74 victory.
Akron is averaging 84.6 PPG (9th) and is allowing 74.5 PPG (257th). The Zips are getting 39.0 RPG (33rd) and dish out 18.1 APG (6th). Nate Johnson is the team’s top performer with 14.0 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 3.5 APG, and a team-high 1.8 SPG. Tavari Johnson has 13.0 PPG and a team-high 3.9 RPG, while Isaiah Gray contributes 9.6 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 2.5 APG, and 1.1 SPG.
Arizona Wildcats Betting Preview
The Arizona Wildcats (22-12, 18-16 ATS) didn’t play well late in the season as they lost five of the final eight games but displayed better performances in the Big 12 tournament. The Wildcats came to it as the No. 3 seed and defeated Kansas and Texas Tech to reach the conference finals where they couldn’t do much against one of the strongest teams in the country – Houston.
Arizona averages 81.7 PPG (23rd) and allows 72.4 PPG (199th). The Wildcats are 24th in rebounds (39.6) and 41st in assists (16.3). Caleb Love leads the team with 16.6 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 3.5 APG, and 1.2 SPG. Jaden Bradley follows him with 11.8 PPG, 3.4 RPG, a team-high 3.7 APG, and a team-high 1.8 SPG, while KJ Lewis chips in 10.9 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 2.9 APG, and 1.4 SPG.
Why Akron will beat Arizona
- Akron has won each of its last seven games.
- Arizona has lost each of its last three day games.
- Arizona has lost the first half in each of its last three day games against non-AP-ranked opponents at a neutral venue.
Why Arizona will beat Akron
- Arizona has won 13 of its last 17 games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
Total Points Facts
- Each of Arizona’s last 10 NCAA Tournament games against a lower seed has produced a total of 165 or fewer points.
- Thirty-five of Akron’s last 38 games at a neutral venue have produced a total of 167 or fewer points.
Matchup/League Facts
- Arizona ranks 16th among Division 1 teams for rebound percentage this season (55.1%).
- Arizona ranks 19th among Division 1 teams for free throw percentage this season (78.3%).
- Akron ranks 4th among Division 1 teams for field goals made per game this season (30.5).
- Akron ranks 6th among Division 1 teams for three-point field goal attempts per game this season (30.0).
Arizona vs Akron Prediction
It’s going to be the first-ever duel between these teams. I know Arizona comes from a way stronger conference and has met many serious opponents throughout the season, but I can’t back them with this big spread. I’m also not going to back Akron to cover, but I do believe we will have a classic shootout between two teams with excellent offenses. They play fast basketball, especially Akron, who is in the top 20 in pace this season. I wouldn’t be surprised if both score 80+ here, but I am sure Arizona will. Akron has hit the Team Total Over in 22 of its last 33 games, while the Zips have hit the Game Total Over in 19 of their previous 33 games. Go with Over.