NCAA Tournament: Predicting the Biggest Upset of the Day in Round of 64 Day 2

The NCAA Tournament is officially here, and if Day 1 reminded us of anything, it is that March Madness always delivers its share of surprises. We already saw that play out with High Point pulling off the upset, a spot we highlighted heading into yesterday.

Every year, there are a few underdogs that are not just capable of hanging around, but are built in a way that gives them a real chance to flip a game. When looking ahead to Day 2 and trying to identify which matchup could produce that kind of result, Akron stands out as one of the most intriguing upset candidates against Texas Tech.

At +270 moneyline via Thrillzz, Akron is the best underdog to bet on today in the NCAA Tournament.

On the surface, this looks like a typical 12 vs 5 matchup, but once you dig into the profile, there are real reasons to believe Akron can make this game uncomfortable. It starts with efficiency and unselfishness, which are two of the most important traits for an underdog in a one-game setting.

Akron is not just a high-scoring team, it's a disciplined one. The Zips move the ball, generate quality looks, and do not rely on one player to dominate every possession. That kind of offensive structure travels well in March because it makes a team harder to scheme against and gives it a better chance to consistently maximize each trip down the floor.

Then there is the three-point element, which is often the great equalizer in games like this. Akron has the ability to generate volume from deep, and if those shots start falling, that is how an underdog can quickly close a gap or swing momentum entirely. In a tournament setting, where runs can define outcomes, a team that can string together a few possessions from beyond the arc becomes incredibly dangerous. It is one of the clearest paths to an upset, and Akron has that in its arsenal.

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On top of that, the Zips are entering this game with real momentum. This is a team that has a double-digit win streak entering today and is playing with confidence while building a rhythm that has carried into the tournament. While the level of competition will rise against Texas Tech, momentum and belief are not things to overlook in March. Teams that know exactly how they want to play and have been executing at a high level can be difficult to rattle, especially early in these tournament games.

When you combine efficiency, unselfish ball movement, perimeter shot-making, and momentum, you start to see a clear upset profile take shape. Akron checks those boxes in a way that makes this matchup more competitive than the seeding might suggest.

Texas Tech is a very good team and earned its place as a higher seed in this tournament. But in a one-game environment where margins are thin and variance plays a role, Akron has the tools to make this a real fight. And when you look at the traits that tend to define March upsets, the Zips have them.