The Kent State Golden Flashes (8-2) will travel to Gill Coliseum to meet the Oregon State Beavers (7-3). Action begins at 3 p.m. ET on Friday, December 21, 2018, and can be seen on Pac-12 Network.
Kent State Golden Flashes at Oregon State Beavers ATS Odds
Both teams beat their last opponent. The Beavers defeated the UC Riverside Highlanders 72-59, 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). Meanwhile, Oregon State played a nearly flawless game. They had a turnover percentage of 9.9 and an effective field goal percentage of 0.559. For those same stats, UC Riverside put up marks of 15.4 and 0.456, respectively. Oregon State rallied around Tres Tinkle, who recorded 19 points, eight rebounds and seven assists. Jalen Avery, meanwhile played a pivotal role for Kent State with 23 points.
The Golden Flashes won the lone contest between these two teams last season, 79-78. Kent State had a better turnover percentage (18.6 vs. 21.1). Oregon State, meanwhile, did a terrific job of getting to and converting from the free throw line (26-36; 72.2 percent). This will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams.
The Golden Flashes’ Avery has been playing well over his last five games, averaging 0 points per game. Meanwhile, Stephen Thompson Jr. has averaged 0 points during that same time frame for the Beavers.
Oregon State should have an edge on the offensive glass in this battle. The Beavers rank 30th in offensive rebounding percentage (36.1 percent), while Kent State ranks 246th in defensive rebounding percentage (70.1 percent).
Kent State Golden Flashes vs. Oregon State Beavers Free Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Oregon State, ATS Winner – Kent State, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Oregon State ranks 16th in blocks per game (5.5) while Kent State ranks 98th (3.3).
- The Beavers rank 41st in assists per game (15.8) while the Golden Flashes rank 110th in assists allowed per game (13.0).
- Oregon State ranks 46th in rebounds allowed per game (32.0) while Kent State ranks 92nd (34.0).
Bettings Trends:
- The Golden Flashes’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 13.8, up from 8.0 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Beavers have scored an average of 70.6 points per game (3.0 below their season average) and allowed an average of 61.2 points per game (4.2 below their season average).
