Akron vs Creighton Prediction, Picks, Odds | NCAA Tournament First Round Bets

Akron vs Creighton Prediction, Picks, Odds | NCAA Tournament First Round Bets

The First Round of NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament kicks off on Thursday afternoon -- and the third matchup on the slate set to tip off is Akron vs Creighton, which is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. ET on TNT.

The Zips are 12.5-point underdogs on the spread in Thursday's contest; with the game total stationed near over/under 141.5 at most sportsbooks.

Here's everything you need to know about Akron vs Creighton on Thursday, March 21 — our expert prediction and betting picks for this First Round NCAA Tournament matchup.

Akron vs Creighton Odds

AKRON @ CREIGH Odds

Akron vs Creighton Prediction

Akron survived a major scare in the MAC championship against 8th-seeded Kent State. The Zips were fortunate to get fouled in the final seconds and hit two free throws for a 62-61 win and the automatic bid.

Creighton stubbed its toe in its first Big East tournament game by losing to Providence in the quarterfinals, ending a three-game winning streak.

The Bluejays are coming off an Elite 8 appearance last season as they lost to San Diego State for a shot to make the Final Four. In its first three wins, Creighton's largest margin of victory was 11 points.

Akron coach John Groce is 4-0 ATS in four career first round NCAA tournament appearances, including three victories.

Pick: Akron +12.5 (-110)

Akron vs Creighton Game Time & TV Channel

Date: Thursday, March 21
Matchup: MAC vs Big East
Venue: PPG Paints Arena
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Time-TV: TNT, 1:30 p.m. ET

Akron vs Creighton Betting Stats

3) Creighton Bluejays
(Big East, At-Large)

  • Futures: +2300
  • Region: +450
  • SU: 23-4
  • ATS: 17-15
  • O/U: 16-16
  • PPG: 80.8
  • OPPG: 69.5

14) Akron Zips
(MAC, Automatic)

  • Futures: +35000
  • Region: +25000
  • SU: 24-10
  • ATS: 15-16-1
  • O/U: 12-20
  • PPG: 74.7
  • OPPG: 66.2

March Madness Betting Resources

March Madness First Round Odds

The NCAA Men's Tournament First Round will take place on Thursday March 21, 2024 and Friday March 22, 2024.

Check out the Teams, Odds, Betting Stats and much more on each of the four regions below: