Arizona Wildcats Roar Past Akron Zips in NCAA Tournament Opener, 93-65
On a crisp March evening in Seattle, the Arizona Wildcats reminded the college basketball world why they’re a force to be reckoned with. Facing off against the scrappy Akron Zips in the first round of the NCAA Tournament on March 21, 2025, the Wildcats delivered a performance that was as dominant as it was electrifying, cruising to a 93-65 victory at Climate Pledge Arena. This wasn’t just a win—it was a statement.
From the opening tip, Arizona set the tone with a blistering start. In the first 1:49, they drained three 3-pointers, racing out to a 9-0 lead that forced Akron coach John Groce to burn an early timeout. The Wildcats’ shooters were locked in, and their high-octane offense—honed through a grueling Big 12 season—looked unstoppable. Jaden Bradley, the junior guard, emerged as the night’s maestro, pouring in 19 points and grabbing six rebounds with a poise that belied the stakes of March Madness. Trey Townsend wasn’t far behind, adding 16 points and eight rebounds, while Carter Bryant, KJ Lewis, and Caleb Love each chipped in double-digit scoring to round out a balanced attack.
But this game wasn’t just about offense. Arizona’s defense turned the Zips’ up-tempo style into a liability. Akron, known for its fast-paced play and perimeter shooting, managed just 33.3% from the field and a dismal 7-of-25 from beyond the arc. Nate Johnson, the Zips’ leading scorer, was held to a frustrating 1-of-7 shooting night, a testament to the Wildcats’ suffocating pressure. Arizona owned the glass too, outrebounding Akron 53-22, including 15 offensive boards that translated into 18 second-chance points. The paint was their kingdom, where they racked up 48 points to Akron’s 20.
The first half hinted at a closer contest, with Arizona leading 41-31 at the break. Turnovers—16 in total, the most since their loss to Kansas State in February—kept the Zips within striking distance. But the Wildcats flipped the script after halftime. In the first three minutes of the second half, they unleashed a 9-2 run, stretching the lead to 50-33. From there, it was a clinic. The margin ballooned to 20 points within five minutes, and Arizona never looked back, maintaining a double-digit cushion for the final 9:28. A late-game turnover drought—only one in the first 15-plus minutes of the second half—sealed Akron’s fate.
For Tommy Lloyd’s squad, this win was a breath of fresh air after a season of scrutiny. The Wildcats, seeded No. 4 in the East Region, had faced questions about their March pedigree following a loss to Houston in the Big 12 Championship game. But against Akron, they played with the confidence of a team ready to silence doubters. Shooting 56.5% from the field and 12-of-25 from deep, Arizona showcased the versatility and depth that could carry them deep into the tournament.
Akron, to their credit, didn’t go down without a fight. The No. 13 seed had stormed into the Big Dance on a 21-1 run, fresh off a thrilling Mid-American Conference title win. Their experience—eight of nine rotation players are upperclassmen—gave them hope of an upset. But the Zips couldn’t match Arizona’s size, speed, or sheer firepower. As the final buzzer sounded, their Cinderella dreams faded, leaving them with a respectable 28-7 season but no answer for the Wildcats’ onslaught.
Next up for Arizona? A Sunday showdown with either No. 5 Oregon in the second round. If this performance is any indication, the Wildcats are hitting their stride at the perfect time. Fans in Tucson are already dreaming of Newark, N.J., and the East Regional. One game down, and the road to the Final Four looks wide open.
Bear Down, indeed.