The Kent State Golden Flashes (13-4, 3-1 MAC) will be at University Arena in Read Fieldhouse to clash against the Western Michigan Broncos (8-9, 1-3 MAC) in a MAC matchup. The game begins at 4 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 18, 2020.
Kent State Golden Flashes at Western Michigan Broncos Betting Odds
Both teams lost a close one in their last outing. The Broncos fell to the Bowling Green Falcons, 85-82, while the Golden Flashes were defeated by the Miami (OH) RedHawks, 77-74.
Kent State held Miami (OH) to an offensive rebounding percentage of 19.4 (below their season average of 28.4) while Western Michigan did a great job of making free throws (14-19; 73.7 percent). Michael Flowers had a good outing for Western Michigan, finishing with 28 points. Troy Simons played a key role for Kent State with 24 points.
The Golden Flashes dominated this series last year, winning both games. In the last game, Kent State won 82-63. The Golden Flashes’ offensive rebounding percentage was their biggest advantage over the Broncos. Kent State had a rate of 50.0, while Western Michigan posted a mark of 31.3. This is the first time these teams will go head-to-head this year.
The aggressive Western Michigan offense could be living from the charity stripe in this contest. The Broncos currently rank 25th in the NCAA with a free throw attempt (FTA) rate of 0.285, while Kent State ranks 252nd in FTA rate allowed (0.244). Moreover, the Golden Flashes rank 26th in offensive efficiency (111.2), while the Broncos rank 304th in defensive efficiency (104.6).
Kent State at Western Michigan Free Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Western Michigan, ATS Winner – Western Michigan, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Kent State averages 37.5 rebounds per game, which ranks 92nd in the NCAA. Western Michigan ranks 245th in rebounds allowed per game (38.5).
- The Golden Flashes average 15.0 assists per game, which ranks 51st in the NCAA. The Broncos rank 112th in assists allowed per game (12.2).
- Kent State is 19th in the nation with 5.0 steals allowed per game while Western Michigan is 37th with 5.4 steals allowed per game.
- The Golden Flashes rank 48th in three pointers attempted per game (25.8) while the Broncos rank 191st in three pointers allowed per game (23.5).
- Kent State ranks 46th in blocks per game (4.4) while Western Michigan ranks 179th (2.1).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Broncos have scored an average of 69.8 points per game (2.6 below their season average) and allowed an average of 79.2 points per game (5.7 above their season average).
- The Golden Flashes have scored an equal number of points as their opponents. For the season, Kent State has defeated opponents by an average of 11.2 points.
