South Dakota State at Akron

Akron had one of its best seasons ever in 2021-22 with a 24-10 record and the Zips had an eight-game winning streak heading into the NCAA Tournament and then nearly beat UCLA. The Zips ended the season on an 8-1 ATS run and they're picked to be contenders again in the Mid-American Conference. They return three starters, including point guard, Xavier Castaneda, who averaged 13.6 points and decided to withdraw from the NBA draft. South Dakota State also comes off a good season finishing 30-5 and it lost to Providence in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. However, the Jackrabbits lose two starters from last year's squad in Baylor Schierman and Douglas Wilson, who combined to score 32.6 points per game. The Zips have experienced players and the home court in this matchup. Take Akron.