The Akron Zips, seeded 13th in the East Region, are set to face off against the top-seeded Arizona Wildcats at Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle on Friday, March 21. The game is expected to be a high-scoring shootout between two explosive offenses.
Akron, led by guard Nate Johnson and forward Tobe Awaka, has been impressive this season, posting a 21-1 record since the calendar flipped to the New Year. However, their defense has struggled, ranking 181st in adjusted defensive efficiency.
In contrast, Arizona boasts a significantly better defense, which is expected to give them an edge over Akron. The Wildcats are also more experienced, having faced tougher opponents in their last 12 games.
While Akron’s offense is strong, Arizona’s size and defensive advantage will likely lead to a win. However, the Zips’ ability to knock down threes and limit opponents from deep could make the game competitive.
A same-game parlay featuring both teams playing at an up-tempo pace could also be a good bet, given their preference for pushing the pace. The Wildcats’ big man, Tobe Awaka, is expected to see extended minutes due to Arizona’s small lineup advantage.
The game is scheduled to tip off at 7:35 p.m. ET and can be watched on truTV.
Source: https://www.covers.com/ncaab/march-madness/akron-vs-arizona-predictions-picks-odds-best-bets-friday-3-21-2025