The Kent State Golden Flashes (11-10, 5-3 MAC) will try to put an end to the nine-game winning streak of Buffalo when they welcome the Bulls (16-5, 8-0 MAC) to Memorial A & C Center. The games Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 159 points with Buffalo opening as a 7-point favorite. Action begins at 7 p.m. ET on Tuesday, January 30, 2018.
Buffalo Bulls vs. Kent State Golden Flashes Betting Preview
In the Bulls last outing, they beat the Ohio Bobcats, 73-66. With 17 points and 10 rebounds, Jeremy Harris had a solid game for Buffalo. The Bulls, who came into the game averaging an offensive rebounding percentage of 32.3, had an absurd mark of 36.6 and held the Bobcats to an effective field goal percentage of 0.392 (below their season average of 0.503).
The Golden Flashes come in on a high note after defeating the Central Michigan Chippewas in their last game, 84-76. Kent State’s Adonis De La Rosa had a good outing, finishing with 14 points and 10 rebounds. Kent State dominated nearly every facet of the game. They had a solid free throw rate of 0.311 (above their season average of 0.234) and an offensive rebounding percentage of 31.6 (below their season average of 32.5). For those same stats, Central Michigan was 0.215 and 25.6, respectively.
The offensive glass could be a major edge for Kent State in this meeting. The Golden Flashes are among the NCAA’s elite on the offensive glass, ranking 88th in offensive rebounding percentage at 32.5 percent. Meanwhile, Buffalo ranks 195th in the NCAA at corralling defensive rebounds with a defensive rebounding percentage of 71.0 percent.
Of Buffalo’s 18 games that accepted bets, 10 have finished over the projected point total, while 8 of Kent State’s 16 games have finished over the O/U total. Looking at straight up (SU) and against the spread (ATS) records, the Bulls have a significant advantage. They are 16-5 SU and 11-6-1 ATS, while the Golden Flashes are 11-10 SU and 8-7-1 ATS.
Both teams have had a player heat up over their last five games. For the Bulls, it’s been Harris, who has averaged 18.6 points and 7.0 rebounds, while the Golden Flashes have received great contributions from Kevin Zabo (19.8 points and 1.8 steals).
This will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. The Golden Flashes won two out of three matchups played against each other last season. In the last matchup, Kent State won 68-65. The Golden Flashes dominated nearly every facet of the game. They had an extraordinary free throw rate of 0.569 and a turnover percentage of 14.8. For those same stats, the Bulls were 0.471 and 16.5, respectively.
Buffalo Bulls at Kent State Golden Flashes Prediction
Basketball Tip: SU Winner – Buffalo, ATS Winner – Kent State, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- The Golden Flashes rank 114th in blocks per game (3.3) while the Bulls rank 158th in blocks allowed per game (4.3).
- Kent State ranks 42nd in steals allowed per game (5.3) while Buffalo ranks 71st (5.8).
- Buffalo is 7-4 ATS on the road, while Kent State is 5-1-1 ATS at home.
- In 11 road games, the Bulls have 6 overs and 5 unders.
- The Golden Flashes have 4 overs and 3 unders in 7 home games.
- Buffalo ranks 32nd in assists per game (16.6) while Kent State ranks 221st (12.0).
- The Bulls rank 17th in three pointers attempted per game (28.0) while the Golden Flashes rank 136th (22.1).
- Buffalo ranks 27th in rebounds per game (39.7) while Kent State ranks 139th (36.0).
Betting Trends:
- Kent State is 4-0-1 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs in their last five games.
- Over their last five games, Buffalo is 3-1-1 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders.
- The Golden Flashes average margin of victory in their last five games has been 2.4, up from 1.3 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Bulls have scored an average of 83.4 points per game (0.3 above their season average) and allowed an average of 68.4 points per game (6.8 below their season average).
