It will be a battle between MAC opponents when the Kent State Golden Flashes (17-9, 7-6 MAC) welcome the Buffalo Bulls (17-9, 8-5 MAC) to the Memorial A & C Center. The game will air on ESPN2 at 7 p.m. ET on Friday, February 21, 2020.
Buffalo Bulls vs. Kent State Golden Flashes Betting Prediction
The Bulls will be hoping for similar success after beating the Ball State Cardinals in their last outing, 72-59. The Bulls had a solid turnover percentage of 8.9 (better than their season average of 16.1) and held the Cardinals to an offensive rebounding percentage of 17.9 (below their season average of 25.8). Buffalo rallied around Josh Mballa, who led the team in scoring with 16 points on 6-for-10 shooting.
In the Golden Flashes’ last game, they were blown out by the Eastern Michigan Eagles, 70-49. Getting to the free throw line was one of Eastern Michigan’s largest strengths. They had 31 free throw attempts, while Kent State had 20. Kent State’s Danny Pippen had a good game, leading the team in scoring with 15 points on 4-for-12 shooting.
Looking at effective field goal percentage, Kent State should have a considerable advantage. The Golden Flashes defense ranks 86th in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.470), while the Buffalo offense is ranked 199th in effective field goal percentage (0.495). Additionally, the Bulls could control the offensive glass in this battle as they rank 10th in the country in offensive rebounding percentage at 36.1 percent. The Golden Flashes, meanwhile, rank 302nd at corralling defensive rebounds with a defensive rebounding percentage of 69.1 percent.
This will be the second game of the season between these two squads. In the first, Pippen scored a game-high 20 points and the Golden Flashes topped the Bulls 70-66. He also put up six rebounds. One of Kent State’s largest advantages was their ability to convert at the free throw line. They were 8-8 (100.0 percent), while the Bulls were just 4-9 (44.4 percent).
Buffalo Bulls vs. Kent State Golden Flashes Odds Pick
College Basketball Prediction:ย ย ATS Winner – Kent State, O/U – Over
Betting Trends
Kent State ranks ninth in blocks allowed per game (2.2) while Buffalo ranks 157th (4.1).
The Bullsโ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 5.8, up from 4.0 for the season.
During their last five games, the Golden Flashes have scored an average of 62.4 points per game (12.8 below their season average) and allowed an average of 65.6 points per game (2.7 below their season average).