The Arizona Wildcats and the Akron Zips are set to clash in the first round of the 2025 NCAA Tournament on Friday, March 21st.
Tip-off is set for 6:35 p.m. central on TruTV. Arizona (22-12) is listed as a No. 4 seed, while Akron (28-6) is listed at No. 13.
Friday’s game between Arizona and Akron is the first outing for each team in the first round of the 2025 NCAA Tournament, where the winner will continue to play again on Sunday, March 23rd, against either No. 5 Oregon or No. 12 Liberty.
Here is a preview of the game.
How to Watch Arizona vs. Akron
Date: Friday, Mar. 21, 2025
Time: 6:35 p.m. CT
TV Channel: TruTV
Site: Climate Pledge Arena, Seattle, Washington
Arizona vs. Akron Betting Odds, Lines
Opening Line: Arizona -15.5
Current Line: Arizona -13.5
Over/Under: 166.5
Arizona vs. Akron Predictions
Tommy Lloyd and the Arizona Wildcats thrived in their first seasons as members of the Big 12 Conference, finishing the regular season in fourth place. They recorded an overall record of 22-12, with wins over some of the nation’s best, including Iowa State, Texas Tech (twice), Kansas, and many more. The group found production from a multitude of contributors in 2024-25, but as many expected, the group rises and falls with the Caleb Love experience. The senior guard led his team in scoring this season with 16.6 points alongside 4.2 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game.
On the opposite end of the court, Akron is a team that, similar to Arizona, LOVES to score the basketball. The Zips finished the season off averaging a staggering 84.6 points per game, which led the MAC by a wide margin. That number even drawfed Arizona (81.7), with Akron scoring the eighth-most points per game in the country. The group is led by Nate and Tavari Johnson, who are combining for 27 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 7.4 assists per game this year.
While points should be plentiful, Arizona should cruise to a win in the opening round, even if they don’t cover the large spread.
Arizona 81, Akron 69
ESPN Matchup Predictor: Arizona 92.7% Chance of Winning
