Offense meets defense when the Kent State Golden Flashes (15-6, 5-3 MAC) welcome the Akron Zips (16-5, 6-2 MAC) to Memorial A & C Center. The game can be seen on CBS Sports Network at 6:30 p.m. ET on Friday, January 31, 2020.
Akron Zips vs. Kent State Golden Flashes Betting Prediction
The Zips are hoping for a better outcome after their 77-74 loss to the Buffalo Bulls in their last game. Buffalo out-rebounded Akron. The Bulls had more offensive rebounds (17 vs. eight), defensive rebounds (35 vs. 23) and total rebounds (52 vs. 31). Loren Cristian Jackson was the top scorer from either team with 28 points on 6-for-17 shooting.
In the Golden Flashes’ last game, they defeated the Toledo Rockets, 83-70. The Golden Flashes made 24 of their 30 free throws (80.0 percent) and had a turnover percentage of 9.3 (better than their season average of 15.2). Troy Simons led Kent State in scoring with 25 points on 6-for-12 shooting from the field.
After splitting two games last season, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. In the most recent contest, the Golden Flashes won 68-65. The Golden Flashes had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (37.8 vs. 26.7) and had a better turnover percentage (12.4 vs. 14.0).
The game should be a battle of strength against strength as the high-powered offense of Kent State (30th in the NCAA with an offensive efficiency of 110.6) takes on the top-notch defense of Akron (54th in the NCAA with a defensive efficiency of 93.2).
Akron Zips vs. Kent State Golden Flashes Pick
Pick: ATS Winner – Kent State, O/U – Under
Betting Trends
Akron ranks 14th in assists allowed per game (9.8) while Kent State ranks 122nd (12.4).
The Golden Flashes rank 33rd in blocks per game (4.7) while the Zips rank 128th (3.0).
Kent State ranks 24th in steals allowed per game (5.0) while Akron ranks 102nd (6.4).
The Zips rank 90th in rebounds per game (37.4) while the Golden Flashes rank 166th in rebounds allowed per game (35.7).
Akron averages 25.6 three pointers per game, which ranks 48th in the NCAA. Kent State ranks 108th in three pointers allowed per game (21.0).
The Zips’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 6.6, down from 11.4 for the season.
During their last five games, the Golden Flashes have scored an average of 71.8 points per game (6.5 below their season average) and allowed an average of 71.2 points per game (2.2 above their season average).
