A six-game home winning streak is on the line for the Akron Zips (13-9, 5-4 MAC) when they go head-to-head against the Kent State Golden Flashes (17-5, 6-3 MAC) at James A. Rhodes Arena. Action gets underway at 9 p.m. ET on Friday, February 8, 2019, and can be seen on ESPNU.
Kent State Golden Flashes vs. Akron Zips Betting Odds
In their last game, the Zips fell to the Toledo Rockets, 63-52, while the Golden Flashes edged the Miami (OH) RedHawks, 70-67.
Kent State dominated nearly every facet of the game. They had a fantastic free throw rate of 0.396 (above their season average of 0.243) and a turnover percentage of 13.7 (better than their season average of 13.8). For those same stats, Miami (OH) was 0.264 and 17.8, respectively. Akron, meanwhile, did a great job of making free throws (13-16; 81.3 percent). Akron was lifted by Tyler Cheese, who put up 19 points and six rebounds. Meanwhile, Jaylin Walker fueled Kent State with 27 points and nine rebounds.
This series was highly contested last year. Each won one of the two games played against each other last season. The Zips won the most recent game 67-65. The Zips’ turnover percentage was their biggest strength over the Golden Flashes. Akron had a rate of 15.2, while Kent State posted a mark of 17.6. This is the first time these teams will clash this year.
Looking at effective field goal percentage, Akron should have a substantial edge. The Zips defense ranks 34th in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.465), while the Kent State offense is ranked 194th in effective field goal percentage (0.509).
Kent State Golden Flashes at Akron Zips Pick
Free Prediction: SU Winner – Akron, ATS Winner – Kent State, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Akron ranks 20th in assists allowed per game (10.5) while Kent State ranks 173rd (13.8).
- The Zips rank 23rd in blocks allowed per game (2.5) while the Golden Flashes rank 98th (3.3).
- Akron is 20th in the NCAA with 5.0 steals allowed per game while Kent State is 57th with 5.6 steals allowed per game.
- The Zips average 28.8 three pointers per game, which ranks 10th in the country. The Golden Flashes rank 125th in three pointers allowed per game (22.0).
- Kent State ranks 164th in rebounds allowed per game (35.3) while Akron ranks 242nd (37.7).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Zips have scored an average of 63.0 points per game (7.0 below their season average) and allowed an average of 63.2 points per game (0.8 above their season average).
- The Golden Flashes have been outscored by an average of 0.6 points in their last five games. On the season, Kent State has defeated opponents by an average of 3.8 points.
