Akron vs Arizona Prediction 3/21/25 College Basketball Picks

In this article we will formulate an Akron vs Arizona prediction for this College Basketball game on Friday, March 21st at Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle, Washington. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this game in the 1st Round of the NCAA Tournament. 

Akron Zips Betting Preview

The Akron Zips are 28-6 (17-1) this season after they defeated Miami (OH) by a score of 76-74 in the MAC Championship game. Akron trailed 46-34 at halftime, but they outscored their opponent 42-28 in the second half for the narrow win. The Zips shot 45.8% from the field, 33.3% on three pointers, and 81.3% on free throws in the game. Nate Johnson led Akron with 22 points and five assists, while Tavari Johnson added 15 points and two rebounds in the win. 

Prior to that game, the Zips defeated Toledo by a score of 100-90 and Bowling Green by a score of 96-67. Akron has won 21 of their last 22 games and they finished first in the MAC standings with a 17-1 record. The Zips don’t have any good non-conference wins, but they did lose to St. Mary’s by 19 and Yale by 16. Akron has scored 84.6 points per game and they have allowed 74.5 points against per game, while also averaging 39 rebounds and 18.1 assists per game this season. Nate Johnson is averaging 14.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game, while Tavari Johnson is averaging 13.0 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game this year. Akron is shooting 47.3% from the field, 75.3% on free throws, and 36.4% on three pointers this season. 

Arizona Wildcats Betting Preview

The Arizona Wildcats are 22-12 (14-6) this year after they lost to Houston by a score of 72-64 in the Big 12 Title game. Arizona led 33-28 at halftime, but they were outscored 44-31 in the second half for the loss. The Wildcats shot 43.9% from the field, 27.8% on three pointers, and 75% on free throws in the game. Caleb Love led Arizona with 19 points and four rebounds, while Jaden Bradley added 14 points and four rebounds in the loss. 

Prior to that game, the Wildcats defeated Texas Tech by a score of 86-80 and Kansas by a score of 88-77. Arizona is just 5-6 in their last 11 games and they finished tied for third in the Big 12 standings with a 14-6 record. The Wildcats didn’t pick up any solid non-conference wins this year, but they did lose to Wisconsin by 15, Duke by 14, Oklahoma by five, and UCLA by three. Arizona has scored 81.7 points per game and they have allowed 72.4 points against per game, while also averaging 39.6 rebounds and 16.3 assists per game this season. Caleb Love is averaging 16.6 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game, while Jaden Bradley is averaging 11.8 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game this season. Arizona is shooting 47.3% from the field, 78.4% on free throws, and 32.4% on three pointers this year. 

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.

Total Points Facts

• Each of Arizona’s last 10 NCAA Tournament games against a lower seed have produced a total of 165 or fewer points.
• Thirty-three of Akron’s last 36 games at a neutral venue have produced a total of 163 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).

David Racey is 32-13 (71%) in College Basketball over the last seven days. Click here for his premium plays for today!

Akron vs Arizona Prediction 

Arizona was able to play two solid games against Kansas and Texas Tech in the Big 12 Tournament, but they have been way too inconsistent over the last few weeks. The Wildcats are 5-6 in their last 11 games and they have allowed at least 76 points in six of their last eight games. Akron has won 21 of their last 22 games and they have scored at least 88 points in four of their last five. The Zips dominated the MAC this year, but did play a very poor first half in their last game. I don’t trust Arizona at all right now and I think Akron has a chance at the upset, so I will gladly take the points here. 

David Racey's Pick: Akron +14