Akron clinched the MAC regular-season title and secured the conference tournament championship by defeating Miami (OH). Like Arizona, the No. 13 seed Zips are known for their offensive prowess, averaging 84.6 points per game. The winner of this game earns the right to play the winner of the Liberty vs. Oregon game.

Tommy Lloyd is back in the NCAA Tournament for the 25th consecutive season. After going to the NCAAs every year of his coaching career under Mark Few at Gonzaga, Lloyd has led the Arizona Wildcats into March Madness all four seasons of his tenure in Tucson.