It will be a battle between MAC opponents when the Kent State Golden Flashes (13-4, 2-2 MAC) welcome the Northern Illinois Huskies (10-7, 3-1 MAC) to the Memorial A & C Center. The game starts at 2:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 19, 2019, and will air on ESPN 3.
Northern Illinois Huskies at Kent State Golden Flashes Betting Prediction
In the Huskies’ last contest, they were topped by the Central Michigan Chippewas, 78-69. Central Michigan’s free throw rate was their largest advantage over Northern Illinois. The Chippewas had a rate of 0.241 (below their season average of 0.311), while the Huskies posted a mark of 0.078 (below their season average of 0.195). Levi Bradley was the top scorer from either team with 27 points on 11-for-21 shooting.
The Golden Flashes defeated the Ohio Bobcats in their last contest, 66-52. The Golden Flashes had a better free throw rate (0.226 vs. 0.127) and held the Bobcats to an effective field goal percentage of 0.349 (below their season average of 0.496). With 10 points and 10 rebounds, Kent State’s Philip Whittington had a solid performance.
After splitting two games last season, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. The Golden Flashes won the most recent contest 61-59. The Golden Flashes’ turnover percentage was their biggest advantage over the Huskies. Kent State had a rate of 9.8, while Northern Illinois posted a mark of 12.8.
The high-octane offense of Kent State (82nd in the NCAA with an offensive efficiency of 110.2) will face off against the mid-tier defense of Northern Illinois (253rd in the country with a defensive efficiency of 104.8). The Golden Flashes figure to have the edge on that side of the ball.
Northern Illinois Huskies at Kent State Golden Flashes Free Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Kent State, ATS Winner – Northern Illinois, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Kent State ranks 106th in three pointers allowed per game (22.0) while Northern Illinois ranks 225th (26.1).
The Huskies rank 19th in rebounds allowed per game (30.9) while the Golden Flashes rank 138th (35.2).
Kent State ranks 84th in assists per game (14.5) while Northern Illinois ranks 192nd in assists allowed per game (15.1).
The Huskies rank 33rd in blocks allowed per game (2.6) while the Golden Flashes rank 105th (3.6).
Northern Illinois is 38th in the nation with 5.4 steals allowed per game while Kent State is 51st with 5.6 steals allowed per game.
Bettings Trends:
The Huskies have been outscored by an average of 0.2 points in their last five games. On the season, Northern Illinois has defeated opponents by an average of 6.6 points.
During their last five games, the Golden Flashes have scored an average of 70.0 points per game (6.2 below their season average) and allowed an average of 70.8 points per game (0.7 below their season average).
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