Why mention Kent State's NIT romp past St Bona? We're stretching the connection, but it might be an indicator to watch the MAC entries...and Akron was the best of those this season. All the Zips have been doing for three months is winning, 21 of 22, and John Groce has Big Dance experience. The fightback vs. a good Miami-O in the MAC title game was extraordinary, as the Zips kept their poise, befitting a team with such veteran leadership, especially cool-headed G Nate Johnson (14 ppg) who leads this blazing 85 ppg offense. Arizona's first-round history is checkered back to the Lute Olson days, and Groce's deep bench (nine play 15 mpg or more) allows the Zips to keep firing. Play Akron (NCAA at Seattle)

Should the Zips be underdogs in this game? Absolutely. But this number is crazy. Akron's John Groce is one of the best coaches in the history of the MAC, and his team is tough. I love the Zips backcourt as well. Give me the points.

This is a high total for a first round game where unders are typically the play. However, Akron is a team that plays at high pace and the Wildcats can play at any tempo. Arizona’s offense can be dangerous when they’re clicking, but they don’t defend the perimeter well. The Zips shoot a ton of three’s and have been efficient behind the arc all season. Akron’s have allowed some big numbers to their opponents this season as they don’t guard the perimeter well either. The Wildcats have more size to control the boards on both ends, allowing second chance opportunities.

I was hoping to get 15 here, but now I'm not so sure. Wouldn't be out of character for Arizona to struggle here, and they aren't special shooting behind the arc and have lost 3 of last 4 on road and are 4-7 ATS last 11 games. Akron tends to crank up the D more in road/neutral settings and play at a top 20 pace and will get off too many shots and score too much for me to see this being a blowout. Akron well above average on offensive boards. Akron just .500 ATS but do tick up with extreme rest and outside of conference. Zips have covered 4 of their last 6.

Akron made the tournament for the third time in the last four seasons and Coach John Groce did an amazing job building this team that only returned one starter from last year. They finished the season 28-6 including 16-0 at home and 8-4 on the road. They shoot 47.3% from the field and made 10.9 three-point shots which is 8th in the nation. They average 84.6 points a game. Arizona doesn't come into this tournament stacked the way they usually are at only 22-12. They're not a good three-point shooting team and their defense is not outstanding like years past. Akron to cover.