Akron Zips vs Arizona Wildcats Pick – 3/21/2025

The NCAA Tournament's first round features an exciting matchup between the Akron Zips and the Arizona Wildcats. Set to tip off on Friday, March 21, 2025, at 7:35 p.m. Eastern Time at Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle, this game pits the 13th-seeded Zips against the 4th-seeded Wildcats. Both teams bring high-scoring offenses to the court, promising an engaging contest for basketball enthusiasts and bettors alike.

Akron Zips vs. Arizona Wildcats Game Preview

The Akron Zips enter the tournament with an impressive 28-6 record, including a dominant 17-1 mark in Mid-American Conference (MAC) play. They secured the MAC Championship by edging out Miami (OH) 76-74, showcasing their resilience and ability to perform under pressure. Akron's offense is among the nation's best, averaging 84.6 points per game while shooting 47.3% from the field and 36.4% from three-point range. Guard Nate Johnson leads the team with 14 points, 5 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game, providing a steady presence on both ends of the floor.

On the other side, the Arizona Wildcats finished the season with a 22-12 record, going 14-6 in their inaugural Big 12 campaign. Despite some inconsistencies, they reached the Big 12 Championship game, ultimately falling to Houston 72-64. Arizona's offense is potent, averaging 81.7 points per game on 47.3% shooting. Star guard Caleb Love spearheads the attack, contributing 16.6 points and 3.5 assists per game. The Wildcats also boast a significant size advantage, with seven-foot sophomore Henri Veesaar potentially playing a crucial role against Akron's smaller lineup.

Betting Insights

As of the latest reports, Arizona is favored by 14.5 points, with the over/under set at 167.5 points. Bettors should consider the following factors:

• Akron's Offensive Prowess: The Zips' high-scoring offense has been a consistent force, and their ability to maintain this production against a Power Five opponent will be key.
• Arizona's Defensive Challenges: The Wildcats have allowed over 80 points in four of their last six games, indicating potential vulnerabilities that Akron could exploit.
• Tempo and Three-Point Shooting: Both teams prefer an up-tempo style, which could lead to a high-scoring affair. Akron's superior three-point shooting (36.4%) compared to Arizona's (32.4%) might provide an edge in a shootout scenario.

Akron Zips vs. Arizona Wildcats Prediction

Considering the current form and statistical profiles of both teams, this matchup is poised to be closer than the spread suggests. Akron's efficient offense and recent winning streak indicate they can compete with higher-seeded teams. Arizona's size and experience in a more competitive conference provide them with advantages, but their defensive lapses raise concerns.

Given these factors, the prediction leans towards Arizona securing the win but failing to cover the 14.5-point spread. The final score is projected to be Arizona 86, Akron 75, suggesting that bettors might find value in taking Akron with the points and considering the over on the total points line.