Ohio Bobcats vs. Kent State Golden Flashes Pick & Predictions

Ohio Bobcats (9-10 SU, 6-12 ATS) vs. Kent State Golden Flashes (10-9 SU, 6-10 ATS)

When: Friday, January 26th, 6:30 PM (ET)

Where: MAC Center, OH, Kent

TV: CBSS

Point Spread: OHIO +3/KENTST -3

Total: 149.5

Money Line: Ohio Bobcats +128/-156

Notable Injuries

Bobcats

• IJ Ezuma (Out) Undisclosed

Golden Flashes

Recent Form

Ohio has struggled on the road this season, going 0-5 with an average scoring margin of -4.8 points per game. Over their last 10 road games, the Bobcats are just 2-8.

Overall, Ohio is 9-10 on the season, including a 3-4 mark in Mid-American Conference play. As the underdog, they have gone 0-2 this year.

Ohio’s over/under record this season is 9-9, and the average scoring total in their games is 149.9. Today’s over/under line of 149.5 is right in line with that average. Over their last three games, the average scoring total is 137 points. So far this season, nine of their games have finished with more points than today’s OU line of 149.5.

As the underdog this season, Ohio has gone 0-2 vs. the spread, and their overall ATS record is just 6-12. Over their last 10 games as the underdog, the Bobcats are 4-5-1 vs. the spread.

Through 19 games, Kent State has a 10-9 record, including a 2-4 mark in Mid-American Conference play. At home, the Golden Flashes are 4-4 this season, and they have gone 6-7 when they have been favored.

Recently, Kent State lost to Akron by a score of 77-71. Over their last 10 home games, the Golden Flashes have gone 6-4, while they are 3-2 in their last five and 1-2 in their last three.

So far this season, the over/under record for Kent State games is 12-4, and the average scoring total in their games is 152.1 points. Today’s over/under line of 149.5 is lower than the average OU line in their games this season (143.8). Over their last three games, the over/under record is 3-0, and the average scoring total in those games is 160 points.

At home this season, Kent State has an ATS record of 3-5 and an overall mark of 6-10. Over their last 10 games as the favorite, the Golden Flashes have gone just 3-7 vs. the spread. In their last three home games, Kent State has an ATS record of 1-2.

Analysis

Ohio offense recently wrapped up a game with a total of 58 points against Akron. In that game, they made 6/21 three-point attempts and achieved a field goal percentage of 38.9%. The team’s scoring leader is Jaylin Hunter, who holds an average of 13.4 as they head into today’s matchup. Additionally, Shereef Mitchell is averaging 13.4 points per game this season.

At this time, the Bobcats’ defense is positioned 141st in the country, permitting 71.3 points per game. In their previous game vs. Akron, the Zips finished with a field goal percentage of 41% and a total of 67 points vs. Ohio.

The Kent State offense is coming off a game where they scored 71 points against Akron. They posted a field goal percentage of 40.4% and connected on 9 threes. Giovanni Santiago was the leading scorer for the Golden Flashes, putting up 16 points. In addition, Tyem Freeman contributed 14 points.

Currently, the Golden Flashes’ defense holds the 219th rank in the nation, allowing 74.6 points per game. Kent State will look once again to perform well on defense, holding Akron to just 40% shooting in their most recent game.

Betting Trends

• Across their three previous road games, Ohio has an ATS mark of 0-3. Their straight up record in these matchups was 0-3 while averaging 71 points per game.
• Kent State has played well in their previous three home games, going 2-1 straight up. In this stretch, they averaged 78 points per game while allowing 79. The team also performed well vs the spread at 2-1.
• Going back to their previous ten games as the underdog, Ohio has an ATS mark of 4-5-1 while going 3-7 straight up.
• Spanning across their last five games as the betting favorite, the Golden Flashes have gone 1-4 vs the spread. Their overall record in these games was 1-4.

Rich Crew’s Pick Versus the Betting Line

I’d lean to Ohio in this spot., but I think the better play is on the total. The Golden Flashes should be able to exploit the Bobcats perimeter defense and I see both teams capable of hitting or surpassing mid 70s. Take the Over 149.5