The Buffalo Bulls (24-8, 16-3 MAC) challenge the Kent State Golden Flashes (17-16, 11-9 MAC) in the Mid-American Conference Tourney at Quicken Loans Arena. The game starts at 6:30 p.m. ET on Friday, March 9, 2018, and will air on CBS Sports Network.
Buffalo is an 11-point favorite on the opening line, while the game’s Over/Under (O/U) opened at 160 points.
Kent State Golden Flashes vs. Buffalo Bulls Free Prediction
The Golden Flashes come in on a high note after edging the Ball State Cardinals in their last outing, 76-73. Getting to the charity stripe was one of Kent State’s largest strengths. They made 28 trips to the line, eight more than Ball State. Kent State received a boost from Adonis De La Rosa, who recorded 17 points and 10 rebounds.
The last time the Bulls played, they beat the Central Michigan Chippewas, 89-74. The Bulls, who came into the game averaging an offensive rebounding percentage of 31.3, had an extraordinary mark of 43.2 and held the Chippewas to an effective field goal percentage of 0.410 (below their season average of 0.513). Jeremy Harris was the top scorer from either team with 27 points on 9-for-16 shooting.
Buffalo appears to have the edge on the offensive side of the ball. The Bulls rank 26th in offensive efficiency, while the Golden Flashes rank 218th in defensive efficiency.
Kent State holds records of 17-16 straight up (SU) and 12-14-1 against the spread (ATS). Vegas has typically been fairly accurate when predicting totals of Golden Flashes games, with 14 unders compared to 13 overs.
Meanwhile, Buffalo is 24-8 SU and 13-13-2 ATS. Games featuring the Bulls tend to go over the total (64.3 percent).
Both teams have had a player take their game to the next level over their last five games. Kevin Zabo (16.6 points, 5.8 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 1.6 steals) has been stellar for the Golden Flashes while Harris (17.0 points and 5.8 rebounds) has contributed greatly to the Bulls.
The two teams have split their two matchups this season. The Bulls won the most recent matchup 84-72, but could not cover as 13-point favorites. The game finished with a total of 156 points, which was just 3.5 points below the projected point total of 159.5 points. The Bulls made 11 of their 15 free throws (73.3 percent) and had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (33.3 vs. 23.3). Harris was the game’s top overall scorer with 24 points.
Kent State Golden Flashes vs. Buffalo Bulls Free Pick
College Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – Buffalo, ATS Winner – Buffalo, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
Buffalo ranks 12th in assists per game (17.3) while Kent State ranks 247th (11.7).
The Bulls rank 25th in three-pointers attempted per game (26.5) while the Golden Flashes rank 151st in three-pointers allowed per game (21.7).
Buffalo averages 39.0 rebounds per game, which ranks 27th in the nation. Kent State ranks 153rd in rebounds allowed per game (34.9).
The Golden Flashes average 3.5 blocks per game, which ranks 105th in the nation. The Bulls rank 147th in blocks allowed per game (3.7).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Kent State is 1-4 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs.
Buffalo is 2-3 ATS with 4 overs and 1 under over their last five games.
The Golden Flashes have outscored opponents by an average of 2.2 points in their last five games. For the season, Kent State has been defeated by an average of 0.1 points.
During their last five games, the Bulls have scored an average of 91.6 points per game (6.3 above their season average) and allowed an average of 75.6 points per game (1.0 below their season average).
$$$$$
