The Buffalo Bulls (16-5, 8-0 MAC) put their nine-game winning streak on the line when they square off against the Kent State Golden Flashes (11-10, 5-3 MAC) at Memorial A & C Center. The game gets underway at 7 p.m. ET on Tuesday, January 30, 2018.
Buffalo is a 7-point favorite on the opening line, while the Over/Under (O/U) for the game opened at 159 points.
Buffalo Bulls vs. Kent State Golden Flashes Betting Prediction
In the Bulls’ last game, they beat the Ohio Bobcats, 73-66. Buffalo’s 36.6 offensive rebounding percentage was their largest advantage over Ohio, who had a rate of 25.0. The Bulls’ mark was above their season average of 32.3. Jeremy Harris fueled Buffalo with 17 points and 10 rebounds.
The Golden Flashes were victorious over the Central Michigan Chippewas in their last outing, 84-76. The Golden Flashes made 19 of their 26 free throws (73.1 percent) and held the Chippewas to an offensive rebounding percentage of 25.6 (below their season average of 33.0). With 14 points and 10 rebounds, Adonis De La Rosa put together a good performance for Kent State.
Kent State appears to have an advantage on the offensive glass in this showdown. The Golden Flashes rank 88th in offensive rebounding percentage (32.5 percent), while Buffalo ranks 195th in defensive rebounding percentage (71.0 percent).
Buffalo holds records of 16-5 straight up (SU) and 11-6-1 against the spread (ATS). Vegas has a tendency to place the total low when the Bulls are involved, as 10 of their 18 games have gone over the projected point total.
Meanwhile, Kent State owns records of 11-10 SU and 8-7-1 ATS. Vegas is extremely precise when setting the O/U total of Golden Flashes games, with an even split between overs and unders.
Both teams have had a player step their game up over their last five games. Harris (18.6 points and 7.0 rebounds) has been fantastic for the Bulls while Kevin Zabo (19.8 points and 1.8 steals) has contributed greatly to the Golden Flashes.
After the Golden Flashes won two out of three matchups against the Bulls last season, these teams will meet for the first time this year. In the most recent contest, Kent State won 68-65. The Golden Flashes made 29 of their 41 free throws (70.7 percent) and had a better turnover percentage (14.8 vs. 16.5).
Buffalo Bulls vs. Kent State Golden Flashes Betting Pick
Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – Buffalo, ATS Winner – Kent State, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
On the road, Buffalo is 7-4 ATS with 6 overs and 5 unders.
Kent State is 5-1-1 ATS at home with 4 overs and 3 unders.
Buffalo ranks 32nd in assists per game (16.6) while Kent State ranks 221st (12.0).
The Bulls rank 17th in three pointers attempted per game (28.0) while the Golden Flashes rank 136th (22.1).
Buffalo ranks 27th in rebounds per game (39.7) while Kent State ranks 139th (36.0).
The Golden Flashes average 3.3 blocks per game, which ranks 114th in the nation. The Bulls rank 158th in blocks allowed per game (4.3).
Kent State ranks 42nd in steals allowed per game (5.3) while Buffalo ranks 71st (5.8).
Betting Trends:
In their last five games, Buffalo is 3-1-1 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders.
Kent State is 4-0-1 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs over their last five games.
The Bulls’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 15.0, up from 7.9 for the season.
During their last five games, the Golden Flashes have scored an average of 76.0 points per game (1.7 above their season average) and allowed an average of 73.6 points per game (0.6 above their season average).
