| MATCHUP | Akron Zips | Texas Tech Red Raiders |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 29-5 | 22-10 |
| Spread | +7.5 -105 | -7.5 -115 |
| Moneyline | +260 | -325 |
| Total | Over 155.5 (-115) | Under 155.5 (-105) |
| Where | Texas Tech Stadium | |
| When | Friday, March 20, 2026 | |
| Time | 12:40 PM EDT | |
| TV | truTV | |
Akron Zips Betting Preview
The Akron Zips beat Kent State and Toledo. Akron has won 10 straight games.
The Akron Zips are averaging 88.4 points on 50.3 percent shooting and allowing 73.5 points on 42.1 percent shooting. Tavari Johnson is averaging 20.1 points and 5 assists, while Amani Lyles is averaging 14.6 points and 8 rebounds. Shammah Scott is the third double-digit scorer, and Evan Mahaffey is grabbing 5.6 rebounds. The Akron Zips are shooting 37.9 percent from beyond the arc and 75.4 percent from the free throw line. The Akron Zips are allowing 34.9 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 35.2 rebounds per game.
Texas Tech Red Raiders Betting Preview
The Texas Tech Red Raiders lost to BYU and Iowa State. Texas Tech has lost 3 straight games.
The Texas Tech Red Raiders are averaging 80.4 points on 46.7 percent shooting and allowing 72.7 points on 43.9 percent shooting. JT Toppin is averaging 21.8 points and 2.1 assists, while Christian Anderson is averaging 18.9 points and 3.6 rebounds. Donovan Atwell is the third double-digit scorer, and LeJuan Watts is grabbing 6 rebounds. The Texas Tech Red Raiders are shooting 39.3 percent from beyond the arc and 71.5 percent from the free throw line. The Texas Tech Red Raiders are allowing 31.5 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 33.8 rebounds per game.
Why the Texas Tech Red Raiders will win
- Texas Tech has won 10 of its last 11 NCAA Tournament games against a lower seed.
- Akron has lost the first half in nine of its last 12 games against non-Conference opponents at neutral venues.
Why the Akron Zips will win
- Akron has won 19 of its last 20 games.
- Texas Tech has lost four of its last five day games played at neutral venues.
Total Points Facts
- Each of Akron’s last five games has produced a total of 155 or fewer points.
- Thirty-two of Texas Tech’s last 37 day games against non-Conference opponents have produced a total of 154 or fewer points.
Matchup/League Facts
- Texas Tech ranks 21st among Division 1 teams for opponent assists per game this season (10.9).
- Texas Tech ranks 21st among Division 1 teams for three-point field goal attempts per game this season (29.3).
- Akron is one of four teams to rank in the top 10 for both points and assists per game this season.
- Akron ranks 4th among Division 1 teams for offensive rating this season (125.9).
Akron vs Texas Tech Prediction
Texas Tech is a big favorite because of the name and the conference it comes from, but this is a lot of points for a team that’s riding three straight losses and is without its best player. Akron is an elite offensive team that’s used to winning games and if those shots fall, we could have an upset on our hands. This is the first time Akron will be an underdog since mid November so oddsmakers clearly have liked this team all year. I have the Red Raiders as a four-point favorite, so we’re getting value with the Zips. I’d also sprinkle the ML as well. Give me Akron to put a scare into Texas Tech and possibly advance.