The Arizona Wildcats’ opening matchup in March Madness as the No. 4 seed in the East Region is up against the No. 13 seed Akron Zips. The matchup takes place Friday, March 21, at Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle, with tipoff set for 7:35 p.m. on truTV. Arizona enters the game as a favorite, but Akron’s high-paced offense could pose a challenge to the Wildcats.
The Wildcats secured their spot in the tournament as an at-large bid, finishing with an overall 22-12 record and a 14-6 mark in their first year of Big 12 play. Arizona managed to reach the Sweet 16 last year before falling to Clemson. Meanwhile, Akron claimed an automatic bid after winning the MAC Tournament and finished their year 28-6. The Zips have never won a March Madness game, but their efficient offense and up-tempo playstyle give them a chance against any team.
Whether it be Arizona or Akron, the winner will advance to play again on Sunday, where they will face either No. 5 seed Oregon or No. 12 seed Liberty.
Game/Team Matchup Info
Arizona enters this game as a 14.5-point favorite, according to BetMGM Sportsbook. The Wildcats are heavily favored on the money line at -1600, while the Zips sit at +850 as underdogs. The over/under for the game is set at 166.5 points, reflecting both team’s fast-paced offensive styles.
Arizona has covered the spread 18 times in 34 games this season, with a 7-4 record when favored by at least 14.5 points. Akron on the other hand, holds a 17-15 record against the spread but has yet to cover as a 14.5-point underdog.
Arizona enters this game ranking among the top offensive teams in the country. The Wildcats especially excel in transition and near-proximity shooting. Akron’s strengths lie within their strong perimeter attack, effective field goal rate inside the top key area, and a defensive scheme that forces their opponents to take tough shots.
If the Zips hope to pull off the upset against the Wildcats it has to start with them matching the pace of Arizona. Then being able to knock down their threes. If they can do both, this game will be far more competitive than some may expect.
Arizona’s Strengths and Key Factors
Arizona’s strength leans more in favor of their offensive firepower which is centered around their star Guard Caleb Love, who averaged 16.6 points per game this season. Love’s ability to create shots, both off the dribble and from beyond the arc, makes him one of the most formidable players in the country. However, with his streaky shooting, he can be more of a double-edged sword that can dictate Arizona’s performance in either direction.
Fortunately, the Wildcats also have a well-rounded roster so they won’t have to completely lean on Love. The Wildcats will also benefit from the versatility of Trey Townsend, a key transfer from Oakland. His ability to attack the rim and stretch the floor has added another dimension to Arizona’s offense. Then there’s Jaden Bradley, who has been the team’s second-leading scorer. As a slasher, he makes himself readily available for scoring opportunities which complements Love.
Despite their offensive firepower Arizona has shown that they can be beaten by teams with strong perimeter shooting. Their defense has also been inconsistent this year. They ranked outside the top 85 nationally in the final month of play. If Akron can exploit this weakness with their three-point attack, Arizona could find itself in a tight contest.
Akron’s Strengths and Key Factors
Akron enters the tournament as one of the hottest teams in the country, winning 21 of its last 22 games. The Zips thrive on playing at a high tempo, averaging 71.4 possessions per game. Their ability to push the pace and create scoring chances has been a major factor in their MAC dominance.
Offensively, Akron is led by Nate Johnson, who averages 14 points per game. His clutch shot-making and ability to get to the rim make him the team’s go-to scorer in key moments. Tavari Johnson, who adds 13 points per game, provides another offensive weapon. The team has 10 players averaging at least 6.3 points per game.
While Akron’s up-tempo style can overwhelm opponents, their defense has been vulnerable against high-major competition. The Zips only faced three teams ranked in the KenPom top 100 and lost to all of them. If they want to pull off the upset, they’ll need to lock in defensively and limit Arizona’s transition opportunities.
Player To Watch For the Arizona Wildcats
Love is the key player for Arizona in this first-round matchup. The senior guard has been their leader all season, providing scoring, playmaking, and experience in big games. His ability to take over offensively makes him Arizona’s biggest weapon.
However, Love’s streaky nature has been a concern. If he gets hot, he can carry Arizona deep into the tournament, but if he struggles, the Wildcats could be vulnerable. His performance will be a deciding factor in how far Arizona can go.
Player To Watch For the Akron Zips
Nate Johnson is Akron’s best offensive weapon and will be a focal point in this game. The junior guard has been a consistent scorer all season, using his ability to drive, create space, and knock down shots from the perimeter.
For Akron to have a chance, Johnson will need to step up against Arizona’s defense. His ability to handle the pressure and produce offensively will be crucial if the Zips hope to pull off an upset.
Final Thoughts
On paper, it is clear that Arizona has the advantage in this matchup. Fortunately for Akron, basketball games aren’t played on paper, and with their offensive efficiency and fast-paced style they are a threat to pull off the upset against Arizona. They must control the tempo and dominate inside while also getting a strong performance from Caleb Love. They should advance comfortably if they can do so.
However, things rarely ever are that cut and dry in March Madness. This means if Akron can get hot from three and can force Arizona into a fast-paced shootout, things could certainly get interesting.
