Check out our free Kent State vs Akron pick and preview for this NCAA Basketball game in Akron. See who we like to win and cover the spread in this College Basketball matchup.

Kent State vs Akron Pick & Preview: Friday, February 3rd Betting Odds

Golden Flashes vs Zips Matchup at a Glance

  • Sport: NCAAB
  • Teams: Kent State Golden Flashes at Akron Zips
  • Where: Akron at James A. Rhodes Arena
  • Date: Friday, February 3rd
  • Betting Odds: Kent State +2, KENTST +112 | AKRON -137 O/U 132.5

Golden Flashes Preview:

The Kent State will take the floor in today’s game in the middle of a 2 game win streak and have an overall record of 18-4. So far, the Golden Flashes have played 11 games on the road, with a record of 7-4. For the season, Kent State has been the underdog in 4 games, sitting with a mark of 1-3. Currently, the oddsmakers have the lines set with the Golden Flashes being +2 point underdogs.

Kent State’s leading scorer this season is Sincere Carry, who is averaging 17.23 points per contest. So far, Carry has accounted for 22.83% of the team’s scoring. In addition, he is contributing 3.36 rebounds per game and 4.95 assists. Malique Jacobs is the second leading scorer for the Golden Flashes, averaging 12.19 points per game. Between him and Jacobs, they are accounting for 38.2% of the team’s scoring.

Offensive production has been hard to come by for Kent State this season, as they are currently ranked 197th in college basketball at 71.0 points per game. A major reason for low scoring totals is the fact that they have played at a below average pace, and have struggled to knock down outside shots. As a team, the Golden Flashes’ 3-point shooting percentage sits at just 33.0%, placing them 325th in the NCAA.

Zips Preview:

The Akron Zips head into today’s game in what will be their 23rd game of the season, posting a record of 16-6. Currently, the Zips have been the home team 12 times, sitting with a record of 11-1. The Zips’ are sitting with a betting line that is -2 points in their favor. For the season, Akron has been favored to win in 13 games, sitting with a mark of 13-0.

Akron will be counting on another strong performance from the team’s leading scorer Xavier Castaneda who is averaging 20.9 points per game for the Zips. Castaneda is also important to the team’s ability to score on the perimeter. So far, he leads the team in 3-point shots made. Also key to the Zips’ offensive game plan is the play of Enrique Freeman who has hit 59.7% of his field goal attempts on his way to averaging 15.14 points per game.

Coming into today’s game, Akron will be looking from some improved play from their offense. Currently, the Zips are ranked 191st at 71.2 points per game. A major reason for their low scoring mumbers is the fact that they tend to work the clock on offense. This year, they are the 656th ranked team in terms of pace. When looking at their 3-point shooting numbers, Akron is close to the NCAA average at 35.8%.

Free Spread Prediction: Kent State Golden Flashes +2

After running our analysis on this game, we’ve identified the best side to take on the spread. Currently, the oddsmakers have Akron as the favorites with a line coming in at -2. However, based on how these team’s matchup, we see this number being too high and like the Kent State Golden Flashes to cover. Both team’s have knocked down the 3-point shot at a rate similar to the NCAA average this season with Akron at 7.94 made 3’s per game compared to Kent State at 7.48. Look for Kent State to put together a strong enough defensive effort to cover the spread vs the Zips.