In their final home game of the season, the Kent State Golden Flashes (14-15, 8-8 MAC) host the Miami (OH) RedHawks (15-14, 8-8 MAC) at Memorial A & C Center. The game is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. ET on Tuesday, February 27, 2018.
The game’s Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 139 points with Kent State opening as a 2-point favorite.
Miami (OH) RedHawks vs. Kent State Golden Flashes Betting Prediction
In the RedHawks’ last game, they topped the Akron Zips, 64-62. Miami (OH)’s 17.2 turnover percentage was their largest advantage over Akron, who had a rate of 22.8. The RedHawks’ mark was better than their season average of 17.2, while the Zips’ was above their season average of 17.0. Miami (OH) was led by Logan McLane, who was the team’s leading scorer with 23 points on 9-for-11 shooting.
The Golden Flashes barely escaped the Bowling Green Falcons in their last matchup, 64-63. Getting to the free throw line was one of Kent State’s biggest strengths. They made 25 trips to the line, while Bowling Green went 17 times. With 11 points, eight rebounds and six blocks, Danny Pippen put together a solid performance for Kent State.
Kent State might struggle to find the bottom of the net as they square off against one of the NCAA’s best defenses. Miami (OH) ranks 86th in defensive efficiency while the Golden Flashes rank 218th in offensive efficiency.
Miami (OH) holds records of 15-14 straight up (SU) and 17-9-1 against the spread (ATS). Games featuring the RedHawks have typically finished under the O/U total (55.6 percent).
Meanwhile, Kent State is 14-15 SU and 11-12-1 ATS. There does not appear to be a trend for games including the Golden Flashes in regards to the total, as there has been an even split between games finishing over and under.
This will be the second game of the season between these two teams. In the first, Nike Sibande scored a game-high 17 points and the RedHawks defeated the Golden Flashes 80-69, covering as 1.5-point favorites. He also put up six rebounds. The game finished with a total of 149 points, which was 7 points above the projected point total of 142 points. Miami (OH) made 10 of its 25 three pointers (40.0 percent). Kent State, meanwhile, had a much better turnover percentage (11.5 vs. 16.5).
Miami (OH) RedHawks at Kent State Golden Flashes Free Pick
Free Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Kent State, ATS Winner – Miami (OH), O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
On the road, Miami (OH) is 11-5-1 ATS with 10 unders, 6 overs and 1 push.
Kent State is 7-3-1 ATS at home with 6 overs and 5 unders.
Miami (OH) ranks 45th in assists allowed per game (11.6) while Kent State ranks 181st (14.1).
The RedHawks rank 24th in steals per game (7.7) while the Golden Flashes rank 137th (6.0).
Miami (OH) ranks 40th in three pointers attempted per game (25.6) while Kent State ranks 132nd (22.5).
The RedHawks rank 82nd in rebounds per game (37.1) while the Golden Flashes rank 141st in rebounds allowed per game (34.7).
Kent State ranks 109th in blocks per game (3.4) while Miami (OH) ranks 126th in blocks allowed per game (3.6).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Miami (OH) is 3-2 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs.
Kent State is 2-3 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs over their last five games.
The RedHawks have been outscored by an average of 1.4 points in their last five games. For the season, Miami (OH) has defeated opponents by an average of 2.1 points.
During their last five games, the Golden Flashes have scored an average of 71.6 points per game (1.8 below their season average) and allowed an average of 78.0 points per game (4.1 above their season average).
