Akron Zips vs. Texas Tech Red Raiders: Odds, Picks, and Predictions Analysis
The Akron Zips (29-5) visit the No. 19 Texas Tech Red Raiders (25-7) in a first-round NCAA Tournament matchup. Tip is Friday at Benchmark International Arena in Tampa, Florida, at 12:40 p.m. ET on truTV.
Team updates
Akron enters as a 12-seed in the Midwest Region. Coach John Groce has guided the Zips to their third straight NCAA bid and eighth overall appearance.
The Zips won a third straight Mid-American Conference Tournament title. Guard Shammah Scott hit a go-ahead 3 with 6.4 seconds left in the MAC final, lifting Akron to a 79-76 win over Toledo for a program-record 29 wins.
Tavari Johnson averages 20.1 points and 5.0 assists per game. Amani Lyles averages 8.1 rebounds and both earned First-Team All-MAC recognition.
Texas Tech arrives under coach Grant McCasland. The Red Raiders fell 75-53 to Iowa State in the Big 12 quarterfinals and enter on a three-game losing streak.
The program set a season high with four wins over Top 10 teams. AP First-Team All-American forward JT Toppin is lost for the season with a torn ACL.
Christian Anderson leads Texas Tech with 18.9 points, 7.6 assists, and 1.3 steals per game. He earned All-Big 12 First-Team honors and carries the offense without Toppin.
Odds and betting market
| Market | Line |
|---|---|
| Moneyline | Akron +260 | Texas Tech -325 |
| Spread | Akron +7.5 (-105) | Texas Tech -7.5 (-115) |
| Over/Under | 156.5 (O -105 | U -115) |
Lines provided by BetMGM and last updated Thursday at 6:46 p.m. ET. These odds reflect market reaction to roster news and tournament positioning.
Matchup implications
This marks the first meeting between the two programs. The winner will face the victor of No. 4 Alabama and No. 13 Hofstra in the second round.
Key factors to watch
- Akron’s balanced scoring and efficient offense. Multiple players can stretch the floor.
- Momentum from three straight MAC tournament titles. The Zips thrive in late-game situations.
- Texas Tech’s loss of JT Toppin. That gap weakens interior scoring and rebounding.
- Christian Anderson’s expanded role. He must shoulder scoring and playmaking duties.
- Recent scoring trends. Texas Tech has gone under in seven of its last 10 games.
- Akron’s low-scoring run. The Zips hit the under in six straight games.
Picks, predictions and recommended bets
Final score projection: Texas Tech 76, Akron 70. The Red Raiders have the edge but this game should remain competitive.
Official recommended wager: take Akron +7.5 (-105) against the spread. The moneyline at +260 is tempting for an upset, but the spread is the safer play.
Secondary play: bet the under 156.5 (-115). Both teams have trended toward lower totals and Texas Tech’s offensive adjustments point to a slower pace.
This analysis balances roster changes, recent form, and betting value. For further coverage and updated analysis, visit Filmogaz.com.
