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Akron vs Creighton: Midwest region first round

The Akron Zips will look for an upset when they meet the Creighton Bluejays in the first round of the Midwest region in the NCAA tournament on Thursday at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, PA.

Akron won the MAC championship to make it to the tournament

Greg Tribble made two clutch free throws for the Akron Zips for a 62-61 Akron win over Kent State in the MAC championship final. The Zaps had a solid regular season, finishing with a 24-10 overall record, including 13-5 in conference play. Akron is 34th in the nation, allowing 65.9 points per game, and is ranked 104th, shooting 45.6% from the field. Enrique Freeman is the best player on the team, averaging 18.6 points and an NCAA-best 12.9 rebounds per game.

Boise State has a solid year

The Creighton Bluejays were stunned in the Big East quarterfinal, losing 78-73 against Providence. Things looked very promising as the Bluejays finished third in the Big East with a 23-9 record and 14-6 in conference play. Creighton is sixth in the league, making 10.6 three-pointers per game, and is ranked 18th, shooting 48.6% from the field. Baylor Scheierman is the best player on the team, averaging 18.4 points and 9 rebounds per game.

Betting Trends

Akron is 15-16-1 ATS for the season, 2-4-1 ATS on neutral site and 8-12-1 ATS following a win. Creighton is 17-15-0 ATS for the season, 1-3-0 ATS on neutral site and 5-3-0 ATS following a loss.

Prediction and Conclusion

One of the must-watch games on day 1 of the NCAA tournament will take place in Pittsburgh, where Creighton is a -12.5-point favorite against Akron. There is no doubt that the Bluejays are the team that is expected to advance, as they are coming off a much better conference, but at the same time, the momentum is with Akron. The Zaps pulled out a comeback win in the MAC championship game to book their ticket for the tournament, and once they are here, anything is possible. Enrique Freeman is an elite player who will be a big problem for the Bluejays, and the captain the Zaps have will give them a standing chance in this one. Maybe we will not see a Cinderella story, but the Zaps will cover the +12-point spread.