Kent State Golden Flashes vs St. Bonaventure Bonnies Pick – 3/18/2025

The National Invitation Tournament (NIT) kicks off with an intriguing first-round game between the Kent State Golden Flashes and the St. Bonaventure Bonnies. Both teams enter the game with identical 22-11 records, aiming to extend their seasons with a victory. The game is scheduled for Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. at the Reilly Center in Olean, New York.

Kent State Golden Flashes vs. St. Bonaventure Bonnies Game Preview

Kent State concluded the regular season with a strong performance, securing the third seed in the Mid-American Conference (MAC) tournament. They advanced past Western Michigan but were halted by Miami (OH) in the semifinals, falling 72-64. The Golden Flashes have been effective offensively, averaging 73.7 points per game on 43.6% shooting from the field and 31.4% from beyond the arc. Their defense has been solid, allowing 68.4 points per game.

Key players for Kent State include:

• Jalen Sullinger: Leading scorer with 15.4 points per game and 2.0 rebounds per game.
• VonCameron Davis: Contributing 14.6 points and 3.7 rebounds per game.
• Delrecco Gillespie: Leading rebounder with 7.7 rebounds per game.

St. Bonaventure, representing the Atlantic 10 Conference, secured the eighth seed in their conference tournament. They defeated Duquesne in the first round but were overpowered by VCU in the quarterfinals, losing 76-59. The Bonnies average 69.0 points per game, shooting 44.7% from the field and 31.3% from three-point range. Defensively, they have been impressive, allowing just 64.9 points per game.

Key players for St. Bonaventure include:

• Melvin Council Jr.: Leading scorer with 14.8 points per game, along with 5.5 rebounds and 4.1 assists per game.
• Chance Moore: Contributing 12.9 points and a team-high 6.5 rebounds per game.
• Noel Brown: Adding 12.3 points and 5.4 rebounds per game.

Betting Insights

As of the latest available information, the betting line favors St. Bonaventure by 4.5 points, with an over/under set at 133.5 points. The Bonnies have been strong at home, boasting a 12-3 record at the Reilly Center. Kent State has a 13-16-2 record against the spread (ATS), while St. Bonaventure stands at 19-13 ATS. Notably, the Bonnies have covered the spread in 19 of their last 32 games, whereas the Golden Flashes have covered in only 7 of their previous 22 games.

Kent State Golden Flashes vs. St. Bonaventure Bonnies Prediction

Considering the current form and statistical analysis, St. Bonaventure holds a slight edge in this game. Their strong home performance, coupled with a robust defense that allows only 64.9 points per game, positions them favorably. Kent State's offense, while effective, may struggle against the Bonnies' defensive prowess. Additionally, the Bonnies' ability to limit opponents' scoring opportunities and their superior record against the spread suggest they are well-equipped to handle the Golden Flashes.

Therefore, the prediction is that St. Bonaventure will win and cover the 4.5-point spread. Bettors might also consider the under on the total points, given both teams' defensive capabilities and the Bonnies' tendency to play in lower-scoring games.