The Akron Zips (21-9, 13-4 Mid-American) host the Kent State Golden Flashes (24-6, 14-3) in the Memorial A and C Center Friday at 6 p.m. ET (ESPNU). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Kent State vs. Akron odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.
After defeating Kent State 67-55 as 1-point underdogs at home on Feb. 3, Akron will now have to defeat the Golden Flashes on the road, where it is just 5-5 this season. Kent State is perfect at home (14-0).
Both teams are on 2-game winning streaks. This will be a defense-1st matchup in a battle for 2nd place in the conference as both teams have better-than-average defenses. Akron allows 65.5 points, good for 57th in the nation, while Kent State ranks 41st at 64.7 PPG.
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Kent State at Akron odds
Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 10:36 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Akron +145 (bet $100 to win $145) | Kent State -160 (bet $180 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Akron +3.5 (-105) | Kent State -3.5 (-115)
- Over/Under (O/U): 133.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)
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Kent State at Akron picks and predictions
Prediction
Kent State 65, Akron 62
Moneyline
PASS.
While Akron and Kent State are both good teams, Kent State has not lost yet this season at home and Akron has struggled on the road. But at -180, I am not going to make a play on a straight wager. But I wouldn’t mind adding the Golden Flashes to a parlay offering.
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Against the spread
AKRON +3.5 (-105)
These teams thrive on defense. This was shown in the 1st meeting, a 2-point Akron win. With this game being in Kent, the Golden Flashes will have a better chance to win. But after losing by 2, I cannot trust Kent State to now win by 5. I will take the Zips at +3.5 to cover in this crucial Mid-American showdown.
Over/Under
UNDER 133.5 (-105)
The 1st meeting went Under this total. Kent State has gone Under the total in 18 of its 28 games. Akron has gone Under in 14 of 28. With defenses playing a key role, the offenses will be slow, and the points will be minimized.
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