The stage is set for one of the most intriguing matchups in this year’s NCAA men’s basketball tournament as the No. 5-seeded Texas Tech Red Raiders square off against the No. 12-seeded Akron Zips in a first-round clash at Benchmark International Arena in Tampa, Florida. Tip-off is scheduled for 12:40 p.m. ET, and fans can catch all the action live on truTV or stream it via the March Madness App. With both teams boasting impressive seasons and high-powered offenses, this game has all the makings of a March Madness classic.
For the third consecutive year, the Akron Zips are dancing in the NCAA Tournament after clinching the Mid-American Conference championship. The Zips enter the tournament with a sparkling 29-5 record, including a dominant 17-1 mark in conference play. Under the guidance of head coach John Groce, who has notched a 140-81 record over seven seasons, Akron has become a perennial contender in the MAC and a dangerous opponent for any higher seed.
Standing in their path are the Texas Tech Red Raiders, who finished the season 22-10 overall and 12-6 in the highly competitive Big 12 Conference. Led by head coach Grant McCasland, who’s compiled a 51-20 record since taking the reins in 2023, Texas Tech is eager to shake off a recent slump and reassert itself as a force in March. The Red Raiders have built a reputation for stifling defense and a relentless drive-and-kick offense, which has been statistically the best scoring system in the country this season.
But make no mistake—Akron is no pushover. The Zips have been lighting up the scoreboard, averaging 88.4 points per game, which outpaces Texas Tech’s own impressive 80.4 points per contest. Their average scoring margin is nearly +15 points per game, a testament to their ability to dominate both ends of the floor. Akron shoots a blistering 50.3 percent from the field and 37.9 percent from behind the arc, sinking 10.9 threes per game. These numbers put them in elite company and make them a legitimate threat to any opponent.
At the heart of Akron’s attack is Tavari Johnson, the team’s leading scorer at 20.1 points per game. Johnson’s ability to break down defenses and create his own shot could be a game-changer if he finds his rhythm. He’s supported by a trio of double-digit scorers: Amani Lyles, Shammah Scott, and Evan Mahaffey, each bringing their own flair and consistency to the Zips’ high-octane offense.
Texas Tech, meanwhile, faces a significant challenge with the absence of JT Toppin, their leading rebounder, who is sidelined due to injury. This loss could loom large, especially considering Akron’s edge on the glass—they average 38.1 rebounds per game compared to Texas Tech’s 36.9. With Toppin out, the Red Raiders will rely on Christian Anderson, Donovan Atwell, and LeJuan Watts to pick up the slack. Anderson, in particular, has been a standout, with predictions suggesting he could exceed 7.5 assists in this game, further fueling Tech’s potent offense.
Despite the injury setback, Texas Tech’s strengths remain formidable. Their three-point shooting has been exceptional, averaging 11.5 made threes per game on 39.3 percent shooting. The Red Raiders’ defense is also expected to pose significant problems for Akron. According to expert analysis, “Texas Tech clamps down on that at the 99th percentile. Other key tenets of the Zips offense, like attack and kick actions, are also shut down at the 90th percentile.” This ability to neutralize opposing offenses could be the difference-maker, especially if the Red Raiders can limit Akron’s transition opportunities.
Betting markets reflect the confidence in Texas Tech’s overall talent and defensive prowess. The Red Raiders are favored by 8 to 8.5 points, with the moneyline set at -340 for Texas Tech and +270 for Akron. The over-under is pegged at 156.5 points, underscoring expectations for a high-scoring affair. Predictions from various analysts lean toward Texas Tech covering the spread, with one summarizing, “Prediction: Texas Tech 84, Akron 74. Best Bet: Texas Tech -8.5.” Others expect key players like Jaylen Petty to shine from deep, projecting him to exceed 2.5 made three-pointers.
Still, there are reasons for Texas Tech to be cautious. Akron’s ability to rebound and shoot efficiently, coupled with their balanced scoring attack, means the Red Raiders can’t afford to overlook their opponent. As one preview noted, “This isn’t just a team that the Red Raiders can overlook. Texas Tech might have its hands full with Akron and these stats should be kinda concerning for the Red Raiders.” The rebounding disparity, in particular, could be magnified with Toppin’s absence, putting added pressure on Tech’s supporting cast to crash the boards and limit second-chance points.
Beyond the numbers, this matchup also features a compelling clash of coaching philosophies. Grant McCasland has quickly established himself at Texas Tech, guiding the Red Raiders to a 51-20 record in just two seasons. His emphasis on defensive intensity and ball movement has made Texas Tech a tough out in any tournament setting. On the other sideline, John Groce’s sustained success at Akron has elevated the program to new heights, with three straight NCAA Tournament appearances and another MAC title under his belt.
The atmosphere at Benchmark International Arena is sure to be electric as fans from Lubbock, Texas, and Akron, Ohio, converge in Tampa for this highly anticipated showdown. Texas Tech University, a public research institution with over 42,000 students, brings a passionate fanbase eager for a deep tournament run. Akron, with an enrollment of just over 15,000, may be smaller in size but makes up for it with heart and a history of punching above its weight when March rolls around.
While the winner of this contest will advance to face either No. 4 Alabama or No. 13 Hofstra on Sunday, March 22, both teams are focused squarely on the task at hand. With so much talent on display and the unpredictability of March Madness in full swing, fans can expect plenty of fireworks from the opening tip.
As the clock ticks down to tip-off, one thing is certain—whether it’s the defensive tenacity of Texas Tech or the offensive firepower of Akron that prevails, this first-round battle is poised to deliver the drama and excitement that make March Madness unforgettable. Stay tuned, because in this tournament, anything can happen!