Ohio (13-11) at Kent State (16-8)
- When: Feb 14 2025, 7:00 PM
- Where: Memorial Athletic and Convocation Center, Kent, OH, USA
- Where to watch: CBS Sports Network
Game Preview
Point Spread: Kent State -5.0
Total: 145.5
Friday’s MAC matchup features two teams battling for conference positioning as Kent State hosts Ohio at the MAC Center. With both teams showing offensive firepower but inconsistency on defense, this game sets up as an intriguing betting opportunity.
Kent State Golden Flashes: Strong at Home, Looking to Extend Win Streak
Kent State (16-8, 6-5 MAC) has been rolling lately, winning four of their last five games, including a 91-83 victory over Central Michigan in their most recent outing. The Golden Flashes came out firing, building a 15-point halftime lead, but their defense let up in the second half, allowing 50 points. Despite that, their offensive efficiency shined, shooting an impressive 54.2% from the field, 53.3% from beyond the arc, and 84.6% at the free-throw line.
Marquis Barnett led the charge with 28 points and four rebounds, while VonCameron Davis chipped in 21 points and two assists. Prior to their win over Central Michigan, Kent State had edged out Arkansas State (76-75) and dominated Eastern Michigan (70-49), proving they can win in different ways.
Statistically, the Golden Flashes are averaging 71.1 points per game while holding opponents to 65.6 points per contest. They have been effective on the glass, pulling down 36.1 rebounds per game, and are shooting 42.2% from the field. Davis leads the team in scoring, averaging 15.6 points per game, while Jalen Sullinger adds 13.5 points per contest.
Key Betting Trends for Kent State:
4-1 in their last five games
Home-court advantage, where they are tough to beat
Held opponents under 70 points in four of their last five wins
Kent State will aim to exploit Ohio’s defensive struggles and continue their solid offensive production at home.
Ohio Bobcats: High-Scoring Team with Defensive Concerns
Ohio (13-11, 7-4 MAC) enters this matchup fresh off an 86-81 victory over Bowling Green, where they stormed back with 54 second-half points to secure the win. The Bobcats shot 47.1% from the field, including 88.2% from the free-throw line, showing they can score efficiently.
Shereef Mitchell led Ohio with 17 points and four assists, while AJ Brown added 16 points and five rebounds. However, the Bobcats have struggled with consistency, dropping three of their last five games, including a 72-59 loss to Appalachian State before bouncing back with a 94-69 win over Western Michigan.
Ohio’s offense is their biggest strength, averaging 79.9 points per game, but their defense has been a liability, allowing 75.3 points per contest. They shoot 47.1% from the field and are particularly effective from the free-throw line (77.1%).
Key Betting Trends for Ohio:
2-3 in their last five games
Allowing 75+ points per game, which could be an issue against Kent State
Strong offensive efficiency, but struggles to get stops
Ohio will need to keep pace with Kent State’s offense while improving their defensive effort if they want to pull off a road upset.
Betting Prediction & Best Bets
Best Bet: Kent State -5.0 – The Golden Flashes have been the more consistent team lately and will have the home-court advantage. Ohio’s defense has been shaky, which should allow Kent State to find plenty of scoring opportunities.
Over/Under: Over 145.5 – Both teams have been hitting high-scoring totals recently, and Ohio’s defensive struggles suggest another shootout.
Prop Bet to Watch: VonCameron Davis Over Points – Davis has been on a roll, averaging over 15 points per game, and should continue to be a focal point for Kent State’s offense.
With Kent State on a hot streak and Ohio struggling defensively, expect the Golden Flashes to cover at home while both teams contribute to a high-scoring affair.
- NCAAB Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
