Arizona vs Akron prediction, picks for 2025 men's NCAA Tournament
It's Arizona vs Akron in the 2025 NCAA Tournament first round. See our expert picks and predictions for the March Madness bracket, along with where to watch and game time.
Editor's note: Follow Men's March Madness live updates and scores from Friday's first-round action.
The 2025 NCAA Tournament is here, folks. First-round action continues on Friday with a matchup between Arizona and Akron in the East Region.
The Arizona Wildcats finished the 2024-25 season with a 22-12 record, good for fourth in the Big 12. That earned them a No. 4 seed in the 2025 March Madness bracket. Their opponent, the Akron Zips, finished first in the MAC with a 28-6 record and a conference tournament win earned them a No. 13 seed in the Big Dance.
Arizona ranks as the 14th-best team in the KenPom rankings, sporting the 12th-ranked offense and 33rd-ranked defense. Meanwhile, Akron ranks 99th overall with the 66th-ranked offense and 183rd-ranked defense.
Here's how our experts see Friday's Round of 64 clash playing out. Be sure to check out Paste BN's complete March Madness bracket predictions to see our team's picks for every game. While you're at it, don't forget to read our tournament bold predictions and upset picks.
Arizona vs. Akron picks and predictions
- Jordan Mendoza: Arizona
- Paul Myerberg: Arizona
- Erick Smith: Arizona
- Eddie Timanus: Arizona
- Dan Wolken: Arizona
- Craig Meyer: Arizona 87, Akron 85
- Jeremy Cluff: Arizona 85, Akron 78
It's a clean sweep. None of our experts have this turning into an upset. Both Craig Meyer and AZ Central's Jeremy Cluff see a closer game, however, with both of them backing Akron to cover the 14.5-point spread. Meyer is forecasting the game to go over the 166.5-point total, while Cluff is on the under.
Arizona vs. Akron date, start time, where to watch
- Game Day: Friday, March 21, 2025
- Game Time: 7:35 p.m. ET
- Location: Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle
- TV Channel: truTV
- Live Stream: Sling TV - Watch Now!
Watch Arizona vs. Akron on Sling TV
Arizona vs. Akron odds
Odds as of Thursday, March 20 via BetMGM.
- Spread: Arizona -14.5 (-110)
- Moneyline Favorite: Arizona -1200
- Moneyline Underdog: Akron +750
- Total: 166.5
March Madness game-by-game predictions for Friday
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