By Dane Miller, SuperWest Sports
Defense is optional for Akron.
The Zips are No. 181 in KenPom’s defensive efficiency metric while running the No. 16 tempo.
That’s generally not the type of opponent that gives Tommy Lloyd issues.
No. 13 Akron vs No. 4 Arizona
Friday, March 21
4:35 pm PT, truTV
East Region, Seattle
Arizona struggles against teams that like to slow it down while playing elite defense.
Lloyd’s offensive scheme usually thrives against opponents that run quick tempo while failing to emphasize defense.
That’s exactly how Akron plays, averaging 84.6 points while yielding 74.5 per game.
The Zips are No. 204 nationally in turnovers per game, giving up an average of 12.0 per contest.
But the winner of the Mid-American Conference, which distributes its playing time between nine players, makes up for it in three-point shooting, taking close to 30 per game.
The Wildcats have had mixed results defending treys. Moreover, Arizona is 5-6 in its last 11 games and has allowed 76+ points in six of their last eight.
The Zips, meanwhile, have won 21 of their last 22, having scored at least 88 points in four of their last five.
If Akron gets hot from beyond the arc, limits its turnovers, and out-rebounds Arizona, it has a chance to pull off the upset.
But Arizona has a substantial height advantage in the interior, with most Zips 6-foot-3 or under, and should take full advantage.
Look for Henri Veesaar and Tobe Awaka to play key roles while the UA guards find open looks from three when Akron over-compensates to defend the paint.
Miller covers College Basketball and College Football as well as Formula 1 racing as a Senior Writer and Assistant Editor for SuperWest Sports.
