#5 Texas Tech vs. #12 Akron Prediction, Odds, & How to Watch: March Madness® 2026
#5 Texas Tech and #12 Akron square off at Benchmark International Arena in a Midwest Region matchup. Here are details, our prediction, and how to watch with Sling TV.
The No. 5 seed Texas Tech Red Raiders enter their third straight NCAA Tournament looking to build on last season's Elite Eight® run. They face a red-hot No. 12 seed Akron Zips squad that has won 10 consecutive games, including a thrilling MAC Tournament championship victory. While Texas Tech navigated a brutal Big 12 schedule, they enter March Madness® having lost their last three games, making this a prime "5-12" upset alert in Tampa.
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Texas Tech Red Raiders Analysis
- Season Overview: Texas Tech (22-10) earned its 22nd program appearance in the NCAA® Tournament after a season highlighted by top-10 wins over Arizona, Houston,
and Duke. - Star Player: JT Toppin (F). The reigning Big 12 Player of the Year is a dominant force, averaging 22.1 points and 10.9 rebounds per game, including 10 double-doubles in his last 12 outings.
- The X-Factor: Backcourt Health and Shooting. With Toppin anchoring the interior, the Red Raiders rely on Christian Anderson and Donovan Atwell to stretch the floor; however, late-season offensive slumps contributed to their three-game losing streak entering the tournament.
Akron Zips Analysis
- Season Overview: The Zips (29-5) finished second in the MAC regular season before sweeping the conference tournament to earn their second straight NCAA bid.
- Star Player: Tavari Johnson (G). The senior floor general leads the high-octane Akron attack, averaging 20.1 points and 5.0 assists per game.
- The Upset Formula: Veteran Continuity and Defense. Akron returns five key players from last year's tournament team and added physical defenders like Evan Mahaffey to an elite rebounding unit that ranks among the nation's toughest on the boards.
Key Matchup & Advanced Analytics
- Position Battle: Interior Warfare. This game features a massive clash between JT Toppin and Akron's Amani Lyles; Lyles’ 6'9", 240-lb frame will have to contain the nation's most efficient scoring forward.
- Statistical Edge: Akron holds a slight edge in scoring (88.4 PPG) and rebounding (35.2 RPG), while Texas Tech features a more battle-tested defense from the Big 12.
- Betting Trends: Texas Tech has struggled recently as a favorite, going 12-10 against the spread, whereas Akron is a live underdog with a 10-game winning streak.
Final Prediction & Betting Pick
- The Verdict: Texas Tech Red Raiders.
- Final Score Prediction: Texas Tech 82, Akron 75.
- Best Bet: Akron +7.5.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who is the favorite in the game between Red Raiders vs Zips? Texas Tech is a 7.5-point favorite.
- Where can I stream the 2026 NCAA Tournament? Stream the entire Men's Tournament by subscribing to Sling Blue and watch CBS games at the NCAA website.
- What time is the Texas Tech game? Tip-off is at 1:40 PM ET on truTV.
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