The Akron Zips (13-9, 5-4 MAC) will try to continue their six-game home winning streak in a matchup against the Kent State Golden Flashes (17-5, 6-3 MAC) at James A. Rhodes Arena. The game will air on ESPNU at 9 p.m. ET on Friday, February 8, 2019.
Kent State Golden Flashes vs. Akron Zips Free Prediction
The Golden Flashes come in on a high note after edging the Miami (OH) RedHawks in their last outing, 70-67. The Golden Flashes made 21 of their 23 free throws (91.3 percent) and had a better turnover percentage (13.7 vs. 17.8). With 27 points on 6-for-16 shooting, Jaylin Walker was the top scorer from either team.
In the Zips’ previous game, they lost to the Toledo Rockets, 63-52. Toledo’s effective field goal percentage was their largest strength over Akron. The Rockets had a rate of 0.450 (below their season average of 0.534), while the Zips posted a mark of 0.305 (below their season average of 0.496). Akron’s Tyler Cheese had a good performance, leading both teams in scoring with 19 points on 8-for-18 shooting.
After splitting two games last season, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. In the last matchup, the Zips won 67-65. The Zips had a better turnover percentage (15.2 vs. 17.6) and had a better free throw rate (0.367 vs. 0.340).
Akron appears to have the advantage on the defensive side of the ball. The Zips rank 34th in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.465), while Kent State is 194th in effective field goal percentage (0.509).
Kent State vs. Akron ATS Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Kent State, ATS Winner – Kent State, O/U – Over
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Akron ranks 20th in assists allowed per game (10.5) while Kent State ranks 173rd (13.8).
The Zips average 28.8 three pointers per game, which ranks 10th in the nation. The Golden Flashes rank 125th in three pointers allowed per game (22.0).
Kent State ranks 164th in rebounds allowed per game (35.3) while Akron ranks 242nd (37.7).
The Zips rank 23rd in blocks allowed per game (2.5) while the Golden Flashes rank 98th (3.3).
Akron is 20th in the nation with 5.0 steals allowed per game while Kent State is 57th with 5.6 steals allowed per game.
Bettings Trends:
The Golden Flashes have been outscored by an average of 0.6 points in their last five games. On the season, Kent State has defeated opponents by an average of 3.8 points.
During their last five games, the Zips have scored an average of 63.0 points per game (7.0 below their season average) and allowed an average of 63.2 points per game (0.8 above their season average).
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