The Oregon State Beavers (8-3) put their six-game winning streak on the line when they take on the Kent State Golden Flashes (5-6) at Memorial A & C Center. The game begins at 7 p.m. ET on Thursday, December 21, 2017.
Oregon State is a 2-point favorite on the opening line, while the game’s Over/Under (O/U) opened at 142.5 points.
Oregon State Beavers at Kent State Golden Flashes ATS Prediction
In the Beavers’ last outing, they beat the Saint Louis Billikens, 63-60. The Beavers had a fantastic free throw rate of 0.413 (above their season average of 0.312), while the Billikens had a turnover percentage of 20.1 (above their season average of 16.9). With 16 points on 5-for-11 shooting, Tres Tinkle was Oregon State’s high scorer.
The Golden Flashes lost to the Northeastern Huskies in their last outing, 81-69. One of Northeastern’s largest strengths was their ability to convert at the free throw line. They were 20-23 (87.0 percent), while the Golden Flashes were just 11-17 (64.7 percent). Kent State’s Kevin Zabo put up 18 points in the game.
The offensive glass should be a major edge for Kent State in this battle. The Golden Flashes rank 78th in offensive rebounding percentage (33.6 percent), while Oregon State ranks 206th in defensive rebounding percentage (70.6 percent).
Oregon State is 8-3 straight up (SU), but they struggle covering the spread (3-8 against the spread (ATS)). Vegas is exceedingly precise when setting the total of Beavers games, with an even split between overs and unders.
Meanwhile, Kent State owns records of 5-6 SU and 2-5 ATS. Games involving the Golden Flashes have typically finished under the total (57.1 percent).
Jalen Avery has averaged 13.2 points and 3.8 assists over the last five games for Kent State.
After the Beavers won the lone contest against the Golden Flashes last season, 69-50, these teams will battle for the first time this year. Oregon State had a much better free throw rate (0.239 vs. 0.092). Kent State, meanwhile, had a much better turnover percentage (16.0 vs. 31.0).
Oregon State Beavers vs. Kent State Golden Flashes Betting Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Kent State, ATS Winner – Kent State, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
Oregon State is 2-2 ATS on the road with 3 unders and 1 over.
Kent State is 1-1 ATS at home with 1 over and 1 under.
Kent State ranks 26th in steals allowed per game (5.0) while Oregon State ranks 138th (7.0).
The Beavers rank 29th in assists allowed per game (10.8) while the Golden Flashes rank 130th (13.5).
Oregon State ranks 31st in rebounds allowed per game (31.3) while Kent State ranks 115th (34.4).
The Golden Flashes rank 160th in three pointers attempted per game (21.7) while the Beavers rank 238th (18.3).
Oregon State ranks 47th in blocks allowed per game (2.7) while Kent State ranks 64th (3.0).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Oregon State is 1-4 ATS with 2 overs and 2 unders.
Kent State is 1-3 ATS with 2 overs and 2 unders over their last five games.
The Beavers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 9.4, up from 6.5 for the season.
During their last five games, the Golden Flashes have scored an average of 68.8 points per game (5.6 below their season average) and allowed an average of 74.4 points per game (3.1 above their season average).
