It will be a battle between MAC opponents when the Kent State Golden Flashes (11-3, 0-1 MAC) welcome the Western Michigan Broncos (6-8, 0-1 MAC) to the Memorial A & C Center. The game can be seen on ESPN 3 at 7 p.m. ET on Tuesday, January 8, 2019.
Western Michigan Broncos vs. Kent State Golden Flashes ATS Prediction
The last time the Broncos played, they defeated the Detroit Titans, 89-76. The Broncos had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (53.7 vs. 35.8) and had a better free throw rate (0.288 vs. 0.214). Western Michigan was lifted by Seth Dugan, who was the top scorer from either team with 32 points on 12-for-18 shooting.
The Golden Flashes were victorious over the Cleveland State Vikings in their last contest, 83-79. Kent State won the rebounding battle. The Golden Flashes had 12 offensive rebounds and 47 total rebounds, while the Vikings had six and 34, respectively. Jalen Avery led Kent State in scoring with 23 points on 6-for-17 shooting from the field.
Kent State should be expected to protect the ball well in this contest. Kent State ranks 37th in the NCAA at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 16.3 percent), while Western Michigan forces the 16th-fewest turnovers (15.5 percent).
Avery has averaged 0 points over the last five games for Kent State.
After the Golden Flashes won the sole contest against the Broncos last season, 73-71, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. The Golden Flashes’ 31.4 offensive rebounding percentage was their biggest advantage over the Broncos, who had a mark of 28.1.
Western Michigan Broncos at Kent State Golden Flashes Odds Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Kent State, ATS Winner – Kent State, O/U – Over
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Kent State ranks 83rd in steals per game (7.1) while Western Michigan ranks 159th in steals allowed per game (7.6).
The Golden Flashes rank 125th in three pointers attempted per game (23.1) while the Broncos rank 171st in three pointers allowed per game (23.7).
Western Michigan ranks 79th in rebounds per game (38.0) while Kent State ranks 99th in rebounds allowed per game (34.2).
The Golden Flashes rank 96th in assists per game (14.4) while the Broncos rank 109th in assists allowed per game (12.9).
Kent State averages 3.3 blocks per game, which ranks 100th in the NCAA. Western Michigan ranks 101st in blocks allowed per game (3.5).
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The Broncos’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 3.2, up from 1.1 for the season.
During their last five games, the Golden Flashes have scored an average of 85.2 points per game (8.0 above their season average) and allowed an average of 71.4 points per game (0.3 above their season average).
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