It will be a clash between two outstanding offenses when the Kent State Golden Flashes (15-6, 5-3 MAC) square off against the Akron Zips (16-5, 6-2 MAC) at Memorial A & C Center. The game will air on CBS Sports Network at 6:30 p.m. ET on Friday, January 31, 2020.
Akron Zips vs. Kent State Golden Flashes ATS Odds
In their last outing, the Golden Flashes were victorious over the Toledo Rockets, 83-70, while the Zips lost a tough one against the Buffalo Bulls, 77-74.
Kent State played a nearly flawless contest. They had a fantastic free throw rate of 0.436 (above their season average of 0.192) and a turnover percentage of 9.3 (better than their season average of 15.2). Toledo was 0.098 and 17.8, respectively, for those same stats. Akron, meanwhile, forced Buffalo into a turnover percentage of 21.6 (above their season average of 15.7). Kent State rallied around Troy Simons, who had 25 points and five rebounds. Meanwhile, Loren Cristian Jackson led the way for Akron, putting up 28 points and six assists.
This was a highly contested series last year, as the teams split their two games last season. In the last game, the Golden Flashes won 68-65. Kent State out-rebounded Akron. The Golden Flashes had 14 offensive rebounds and 36 total rebounds, while the Zips had eight and 31, respectively. This is the first time these teams will battle this year.
The game should be a battle of strength against strength as the productive offense of Kent State (30th in the nation with an offensive efficiency of 110.6) takes on the stingy defense of Akron (54th in the country with a defensive efficiency of 93.2).
Akron Zips at Kent State Golden Flashes ATS Pick
Free Pick: SU Winner – Kent State, ATS Winner – Kent State, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Akron ranks 14th in assists allowed per game (9.8) while Kent State ranks 122nd (12.4).
- The Zips rank 90th in rebounds per game (37.4) while the Golden Flashes rank 166th in rebounds allowed per game (35.7).
- Akron averages 25.6 three pointers per game, which ranks 48th in the NCAA. Kent State ranks 108th in three pointers allowed per game (21.0).
- The Golden Flashes rank 33rd in blocks per game (4.7) while the Zips rank 128th (3.0).
- Kent State ranks 24th in steals allowed per game (5.0) while Akron ranks 102nd (6.4).
Bettings Trends:
- The Golden Flashes’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 0.6, down from 9.3 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Zips have scored an average of 80.8 points per game (3.5 above their season average) and allowed an average of 74.2 points per game (8.3 above their season average).
