Kent State vs. Akron: Predictions, Picks, and Betting Odds
The Kent State Golden Flashes and Akron Zips are set to clash in a highly anticipated NCAA basketball game. This matchup will take place on Friday at James A. Rhodes Arena in Akron, Ohio, with tip-off scheduled for 6 p.m. ET. Both teams are having strong seasons and the stakes are high.
Kent State vs. Akron: Game Overview
The Golden Flashes currently hold a record of 16 wins and 5 losses, boasting a 7-2 record in the Mid-American Conference (MAC). Meanwhile, the Zips come into this game with an impressive 17-4 record and are 8-1 in conference play.
Recent Performance
- Kent State has won four of their last five games, recently defeating the Ohio Bobcats. They managed to cover the spread as a 5.5-point favorite, with the total points reaching 162.5.
- In their last victory, guard Morgan Safford led the team with 18 points and secured 10 rebounds. Additionally, forwards Delrecco Gillespie and Magnus Entenmann both recorded double-doubles.
- Akron is riding a seven-game winning streak, having most recently overcome the Toledo Rockets 91-81. However, they did not cover the spread as a 12.5-point favorite, with the total hitting 167.5.
- Guard Tavari Johnson was key in the Zips’ last win, scoring 25 points and helping the team recover from an 8-point deficit.
Current Standings and Betting Odds
Kent State finds themselves two games behind the first-place Miami Red Hawks in the MAC, while also trailing Akron by one game. Historically, Akron has had the upper hand in this rivalry, winning five consecutive matchups and going 4-1 against the spread in this timeframe. Notably, the Under has been a common outcome in recent meetings, with three of the last four games held at Rhodes Arena finishing below the total.
Betting Lines Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook
| Bet Type | Kent State | Akron |
|---|---|---|
| Moneyline | +475 (bet $100 to win $475) | -650 (bet $650 to win $100) |
| Against the Spread (ATS) | +11.5 (-110) | -11.5 (-110) |
| Over/Under | 168.5 (O: -110 | U: -110) | |
Expert Predictions
With the current spread, experts predict a final score of Akron 81, Kent State 74. Given Akron’s strong performance at home, the recommended strategy seems to be betting on Kent State to cover the spread at +11.5. Despite their underdog status, Kent State has shown resilience, winning four of their last five games, including crucial away games.
Additionally, considering recent trends, it might be wise to bet on the Under 168.5. Akron has hit the Under in two of their last three games, highlighting their capability to limit opponents’ scoring. As such, this matchup promises to be an exciting contest with significant implications in the MAC standings.
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