The Western Michigan Broncos (6-8, 0-1 MAC) will be at the Memorial A & C Center to go head-to-head with the Kent State Golden Flashes (11-3, 0-1 MAC) in a MAC matchup. The game can be seen on ESPN 3 at 7 p.m. ET on Tuesday, January 8, 2019.
Western Michigan Broncos at Kent State Golden Flashes Betting Odds
Both teams defeated their last opponent. The Golden Flashes defeated the Cleveland State Vikings 83-79, while the Broncos beat the Detroit Titans 89-76.
Western Michigan dominated nearly every stat category in the game. They had an offensive rebounding percentage of 53.7 and a free throw rate of 0.288. For those same stats, Detroit had marks of 35.8 and 0.214, respectively. Kent State, meanwhile, won the rebounding battle. The Golden Flashes had 12 offensive rebounds and 47 total rebounds, while the Vikings had six and 34, respectively. Jalen Avery fueled Kent State with 23 points. Western Michigan was lifted by Seth Dugan, who recorded 32 points, 22 rebounds and six assists.
The Golden Flashes won the lone game between these two teams last year, 73-71. Kent State had a better offensive rebounding percentage (31.4 vs. 28.1). Western Michigan, on the other hand, had a much better free throw rate (0.286 vs. 0.092). This is the first time these teams will meet this year.
Avery has been playing at a high level recently for Kent State, averaging 0 points over the last five games.
Kent State should be expected to protect the ball well in this contest. Kent State ranks 37th in the country at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 16.3 percent), while Western Michigan forces the 16th-fewest turnovers (15.5 percent).
Western Michigan Broncos vs. Kent State Golden Flashes Pick
Free College Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Kent State, ATS Winner – Kent State, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Kent State ranks 83rd in steals per game (7.1) while Western Michigan ranks 159th in steals allowed per game (7.6).
- The Golden Flashes rank 96th in assists per game (14.4) while the Broncos rank 109th in assists allowed per game (12.9).
- Kent State averages 3.3 blocks per game, which ranks 100th in the nation. Western Michigan ranks 101st in blocks allowed per game (3.5).
- The Golden Flashes average 23.1 three pointers per game, which ranks 125th in the nation. The Broncos rank 171st in three pointers allowed per game (23.7).
- Western Michigan ranks 79th in rebounds per game (38.0) while Kent State ranks 99th in rebounds allowed per game (34.2).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Broncos have scored an average of 77.8 points per game (5.7 above their season average) and allowed an average of 74.6 points per game (3.5 above their season average).
- The Golden Flashes’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 13.8, up from 6.1 for the season.
