The Kent State Golden Flashes (8-1) clash against the UC Irvine Anteaters (6-5) in the Don Haskins Sun Bowl Invitational at Don Haskins Center. The game is scheduled to start at 7 p.m. ET on Monday, December 16, 2019.
Kent State Golden Flashes vs. UC Irvine Anteaters ATS Odds
Both teams dismantled their last opponent. The Anteaters defeated the Pacific Union Pioneers 120-63, while the Golden Flashes beat the Cleveland State Vikings 81-59.
The Golden Flashes forced 18 turnovers and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.571 (above their season average of 0.512). Meanwhile, UC Irvine played a perfect game. They had a phenomenal offensive rebounding percentage of 54.2 (above their season average of 33.4) and a free throw rate of 0.368 (above their season average of 0.209). For those same stats, Pacific Union put up marks of 12.2 and 0.232, respectively. UC Irvine received a boost from Austin Johnson, who had 22 points and six rebounds. Antonio Williams, meanwhile played a pivotal role for Kent State with 19 points.
UC Irvine appears to have an advantage on the offensive glass in this contest. The Anteaters rank 38th in offensive rebounding percentage (34.3 percent), while Kent State ranks 241st in defensive rebounding percentage (69.9 percent) dating back to last season. Furthermore, the Golden Flashes rank eighth in turnover percentage (16.3 percent), while the Anteaters rank 307th in opponents’ turnover percentage (17.2 percent).
Kent State Golden Flashes vs. UC Irvine Anteaters Odds Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Kent State, ATS Winner – Kent State, O/U – Under
Betting Notes (2018-Present):
- Kent State ranks 35th in three pointers attempted per game (24.2) while UC Irvine ranks 233rd (18.8).
- The Golden Flashes rank 46th in assists per game (13.5) while the Anteaters rank 104th (13.7).
- Both of these teams are great at blocking the ball. Kent State is 13th in the NCAA with 4.1 blocks per game while UC Irvine is 59th with 4.1 blocks per game.
- The Anteaters average 40.4 rebounds per game, which ranks 26th in the country. The Golden Flashes rank 144th in rebounds allowed per game (34.7).
- Kent State ranks 32nd in steals per game (7.2) while UC Irvine ranks 133rd (6.0).