It will be a meeting between two great offenses when the Louisville Cardinals (7-3) take on the Kent State Golden Flashes (8-1) at KFC Yum! Center. Action gets underway at 4 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 15, 2018, and can be seen on ACC Network.
Kent State Golden Flashes at Louisville Cardinals Betting Odds
Both teams were victorious over their last opponent. The Cardinals defeated the Nicholls Colonels 85-72, while the Golden Flashes beat the Cleveland State Vikings 83-79.
The Golden Flashes had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (30.0 vs. 14.6) and had a much better free throw rate (0.466 vs. 0.279). The Cardinals, meanwhile, had a much better free throw rate (1.050 vs. 0.190) and had a better effective field goal percentage (0.537 vs. 0.476). Louisville was led by Steven Enoch, who recorded 15 points and eight rebounds. Jalen Avery fueled Kent State with 23 points.
Jordan Nwora has been playing at a high level recently for Louisville, averaging 0 points over the last five games.
This contest figures to be a high-scoring affair as two of the nation’s premier offenses face off. Dating back to the 2017-18 season, Louisville ranks 55th with 109.5 points per 100 possessions and Kent State is 24th (106.3). Ball security should be an advantage for the Golden Flashes. They rank 25th at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 17.9 percent). Conversely, the Cardinals have forced the 67th-fewest turnovers in the country (opponents’ turnover percentage of 18.6 percent).
Kent State Golden Flashes vs. Louisville Cardinals Odds Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Louisville, ATS Winner – Louisville, O/U – Under
Betting Notes (2017-Present):
- Kent State ranks 38th in assists per game (12.5) while Louisville ranks 150th (13.5).
- The Cardinals average 37.0 rebounds per game, which ranks 60th in the NCAA. The Golden Flashes rank 111th in rebounds allowed per game (34.9).
- Louisville blocks 5.5 opponent shots per game, which ranks 82nd in the nation. Kent State ranks 93rd in blocks allowed per game (3.1).
- The Cardinals average 21.7 three pointers per game, which ranks 75th in the NCAA. The Golden Flashes rank 163rd in three pointers allowed per game (21.9).
- Louisville ranks 26th in steals allowed per game (5.8) while Kent State ranks 95th (5.7).