The Kent State Golden Flashes (16-3, 6-0 MAC) battle the Northern Illinois Huskies (7-12, 3-3) on Tuesday. Tip from NIU Convocation Center is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET (ESPN+). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Kent State vs. Northern Illinois odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.
Kent State steamrolled Ball State 86-65 on Friday to cover as 8-point home favorites. It has now covered 4 straight games and is 6-3 against the spread (ATS) in its last 9 lined games. The Golden Flashes sit atop the MAC and have been money-makers this season with a 14-3 ATS record. Their defense has carried the load this season, holding opponents to an average of 62.4 points per game (ppg), good for 29th in the nation.
Northern Illinois toppled Eastern Michigan 88-67 on Saturday, covering as 3-point road underdogs. It has now covered the spread in 3 of its last 4 games and is 5-5 ATS in its last 10 and 8-8 ATS on the season. The Huskies have struggled defensively, giving up an average of 75.2 ppg (T-309th).
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Kent State at Northern Illinois odds
Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 11 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Kent State -850 (bet $850 to win $100) | Northern Illinois +525 (bet $100 to win $525)
- Against the spread (ATS): Kent State -12.5 (-110) | Northern Illinois +12.5 (-110)
- Over/Under (O/U): 137.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)
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Kent State at Northern Illinois picks and predictions
Prediction
Kent State 75, Northern Illinois 60
Moneyline
PASS.
Kent State is 16-3 overall this season and defending exceptionally well while Northern Illinois is 7-12 and struggling on both ends of the court making the moneyline odds justifiable, just not playable.
Against the spread
LEAN KENT STATE -12.5 (-110).
Kent State looks to be in top form even though 12.5 points is a lot — especially for a road team. The Golden Flashes have won 10 in a row and their most recent loss came on the road at Gonzaga on Dec. 5. The Golden Flashes should easily handle the Huskies.
The Golden Flashes have covered the spread 4 straight times, including a 13.5-point spread on the road against Eastern Michigan.
The Huskies are 3-3 ATS in their last 6 games and in each of the 3 losses, they were double-digit underdogs playing conference opponents.
Over/Under
BET UNDER 137.5 (-115).
The Under is 8-2 in Kent State’s last 10 games and 5-1 in its last 6 games following an ATS win. The Under is also 4-1 in the Golden Flashes’ last 5 games against a team with a losing straight-up record.
The Under is 5-1 in the Huskies’ last 6 home games and 8-1 in their last 9 home games against a team with a winning road record.
Kent State’s O/U record this season is 4-12-1 while Northern Illinois’ is 8-8.
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