The Kent State Golden Flashes (22-9, 11-7 MAC) will be in the Mid-American Conference Tourney at Quicken Loans Arena when they go head-to-head with the Central Michigan Chippewas (22-10, 11-8 MAC). Action begins at 2:30 p.m. ET on Thursday, March 14, 2019.
Central Michigan Chippewas vs. Kent State Golden Flashes Betting Odds
Both teams covered as favorites in their last contest. The Golden Flashes (1.5-point favorites) defeated the Akron Zips 68-65 in their last outing, while the Chippewas (9-point favorites) beat the Western Michigan Broncos 81-67 in their last contest. The Kent State game went 2 points under the projected point total of 135, while the Central Michigan game went 6 points under the projected point total of 154.
Central Michigan played a nearly perfect game. They had a free throw rate of 0.250 (matching their season average) and a turnover percentage of 8.7 (better than their season average of 14.5). For those same stats, Western Michigan was 0.133 and 12.8, respectively. The Golden Flashes, on the other hand, had an absurd offensive rebounding percentage of 37.8 (above their season average of 33.7) and had a turnover percentage of 12.4 (better than their season average of 14.3). Antonio Williams led the way for Kent State, putting up 18 points, seven assists and six rebounds. Meanwhile, Larry Austin Jr. played a pivotal role for Central Michigan with 24 points, 13 rebounds and nine assists.
Vegas has typically been fairly accurate when predicting totals of Chippewas games, with 15 overs compared to 14 unders. Central Michigan holds records of 22-10 straight up (SU) and 18-10-1 against the spread (ATS).
There does not appear to be a trend for games featuring the Golden Flashes in regards to the total, as there has been an even split between games finishing over and under. Further, Kent State owns records of 22-9 SU and 14-14-2 ATS.
The Chippewas’ Larry Austin Jr. has been playing at a high level over his last five games, averaging 17 points,6.8 rebounds,6.4 assists,2.4 steals per game. Meanwhile, Antonio Williams has averaged 15 points,1.8 steals,1.6 blocks during that same time frame for the Golden Flashes.
Look for Kent State to dominate the offensive glass in this meeting. The Golden Flashes currently rank 37th in offensive rebounding percentage (33.8 percent), while Central Michigan ranks 304th in defensive rebounding percentage (68.3 percent).
Central Michigan vs. Kent State Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Kent State, ATS Winner – Kent State, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Kent State ranks 129th in rebounds per game (35.8) while Central Michigan ranks 250th in rebounds allowed per game (37.8).
- The Golden Flashes average 22.8 three pointers per game, which ranks 135th in the country. The Chippewas rank 168th in three pointers allowed per game (22.4).
- Central Michigan ranks 150th in assists per game (13.2) while Kent State ranks 161st in assists allowed per game (13.3).
- The Golden Flashes average 3.6 blocks per game, which ranks 91st in the NCAA. The Chippewas rank 199th in blocks allowed per game (4.7).
- Central Michigan ranks 28th in steals allowed per game (5.2) while Kent State ranks 85th (5.8).
Bettings Trends:
- The Golden Flashes are 2-2-1 ATS over their last five games, while the Chippewas are 3-2.
- In their last five games, Kent State has 4 unders and 1 over, while Central Michigan has 3 overs and 2 unders.
- During their last five games, the Golden Flashes have scored an average of 70.0 points per game (0.4 below their season average) and allowed an average of 72.2 points per game (4.3 above their season average).
- The Chippewas’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 3.4, down from 6.8 for the season.
