The Valparaiso Crusaders (5-0) and the Kent State Golden Flashes (3-1) go head-to-head at Savannah Civic Center. Valparaiso opened as a 6.5-point favorite, while the games Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 147 points. Action begins at 7:30 p.m. ET on Friday, November 24, 2017.
Kent State Golden Flashes vs. Valparaiso Crusaders Odds Preview
The Golden Flashes were beaten by the Southeastern Louisiana Lions in their last contest, 70-66. Kent States Jaylin Walker had a solid performance, leading both teams in scoring with 26 points on 10-for-20 shooting. Southeastern Louisiana had a much better free throw rate (0.314 vs. 0.194). Kent State, meanwhile, had a much better turnover percentage (11.5 vs. 19.6).
In the Crusaders last game, they dismantled the Samford Bulldogs, 88-67. With 26 points on 9-for-18 shooting, Tevonn Walker was the games leading scorer. Valparaiso dominated nearly every stat category in the game. They had an absurd offensive rebounding percentage of 66.7 (above their season average of 34.4) and a free throw rate of 0.185 (matching their season average). For those same stats, Samford put up marks of 21.1 and 0.153, respectively.
From an effective field goal percentage perspective, Valparaiso figures to have a noteworthy advantage. Since last season, the Crusaders defense ranks 31st in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.465), while the Kent State offense ranks 262nd in effective field goal percentage (0.488).
Since last season, the Golden Flashes have had records of 25-14 straight up (SU) and 18-13-2 against the spread (ATS). A little over half of Kent State games have finished under the O/U total since last season.
Meanwhile, the Crusaders, are 29-8 SU and 16-15-1 ATS since last season. Its tough to find a trend for games including Valparaiso over that same time frame in regards to the projected point total as there has been an even split between games finishing over and under.
Kent State Golden Flashes vs. Valparaiso Crusaders Prediction
Predictions: SU Winner – Kent State, ATS Winner – Kent State, O/U – Under
Betting Notes (2016-Present):
- Kent State averages 22.4 three pointers per game, which ranks 111th in the nation. Valparaiso ranks 222nd in three pointers allowed per game (22.4).
- The Crusaders rank 44th in rebounds per game (38.6) while the Golden Flashes rank 119th in rebounds allowed per game (34.4).
- Kent State is 15th in the nation with 2.4 blocks allowed per game while Valparaiso is 58th with 2.9 blocks allowed per game.
