Arizona vs Akron Zips Prediction & Picks - NCAA Basketball
USA - NCAA Basketball
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by Matt Lowrimore | in Basketball Picks
Another one of the first-round games set for Friday will see the 13th-seeded Akron Zips take on the 4th-seeded Arizona Wildcats in the East Region. Let's take a look at the match statistics and predictions for this first-round game between the Zips and Wildcats.
Akron enters this game with a record of 28-6, earning an automatic bid into the NCAA tournament by winning the MAC. The Zips beat Bowling Green in the MAC quarterfinals, Toledo in the MAC semifinals, and Miami (OH) in the MAC final. This will be Akron's 8th NCAA tournament appearance and second consecutive appearance.
As for Arizona, they enter this game with a record of 22-12, earning an at-large bid into the NCAA tournament. The Wildcats beat Kansas in the Big 12 quarterfinals, and Texas Tech in the Big 12 semifinals before losing to Houston in the Big 12 final. This will be Arizona's 36th NCAA tournament appearance and their 4th consecutive appearance.
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Arizona vs Akron Zips Form
Arizona - Akron Zips Key Points
- Arizona is 2-4 ATS in their last 6 games
- Arizona is 2-5 ATS in their last 7 March games
- Arizona is 1-4 in their last 5 Friday games
- Akron is 4-2 in their last 6 games
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Our Arizona vs Akron Zips Prediction
When breaking down the numbers, these teams stack up nicely. Akron averages 84.8 points per game, which ranks 6th in the country, while Arizona averages 82.2 points per game, which ranks 19th in the country. In the same regard, both defenses have struggled to slow teams down consistently. The Zips allow an average of 74.4 points per game, while the Wildcats allow an average of 72.5 points per game.
One of the biggest differences between these teams is how efficient they are offensively. On average, Akron shoots 47.4% from the field and 36.6% from the three-point line. Arizona also shoots about 47.4% from the field but just 32.5% from the three-point line. Three-point shooting is a huge factor in the NCAA tournament so because this is where Arizona struggles the most, while Akron defends the three-point line well, our Akron Zips vs Arizona Wildcats prediction is Akron +13.5.All tips are fully researched and given in good faith, but profits cannot be guaranteed.
