Akron’s high-powered offense (84.0 PPG, 14th) and efficient three-point shooting (36.2%, 62nd) give them a major edge over Kent State’s struggling offense (70.0 PPG, 294th) and poor perimeter shooting (28.9%, 357th). While Kent State’s defense is strong (64.2 PPG allowed, 23rd), their defensive rebounding struggles (21.6 DRPG, 87th) and lower overall rebounding rate (32.8 RPG, 152nd) could be exploited by Akron’s superior 37.1 RPG (23rd). With Akron winning all three matchups against Kent State this season, they are a solid bet to cover the spread.
Game Preview: Kent State vs. Akron
Kent State Golden Flashes (13-7, 10-8 ATS, 4-14 O/U, 5-3 Away, 6-3 Home)
Elite Scoring Attack:84.0 PPG (14th), ranking among the best offenses in the country.
Three-Point Efficiency:36.2% from deep (62nd) and 11.5 makes per game (3rd), a clear mismatch over Kent State’s struggling perimeter offense.
Ball Movement:18.4 assists per game (7th), showcasing elite passing and offensive execution.
Offensive Weaknesses
Free Throw Volume:15.7 FTA per game (340th), limiting opportunities at the line.
Defensive Strengths
Defensive Rebounding:23.3 DRPG (26th), giving them a rebounding edge.
Turnovers & Pressure:7.6 steals per game (82nd), helping create transition scoring.
Defensive Weaknesses
Points Allowed:73.0 PPG (236th), a concern against a team that rebounds well offensively like Kent State.
Shot-Blocking:2.8 blocks per game (128th), making them vulnerable inside.
Key Metrics Comparison
Offense
Metric
Akron (Rank)
Akron Value
Kent State (Rank)
Kent State Value
Points Per Game
14th
84.0
294th
70.0
FG%
136th
45.6%
330th
41.7%
3P%
62nd
36.2%
357th
28.9%
FT%
56th
75.8%
132nd
73.0%
Total Rebounds
23rd
37.1
152nd
32.8
Offensive Rebounds
66th
10.7
33rd
11.1
Defense
Metric
Akron (Rank)
Akron Value
Kent State (Rank)
Kent State Value
Opponent PPG
236th
73.0
23rd
64.2
Opponent FG%
101st
41.8%
75th
40.9%
Opponent 3P%
122nd
31.8%
57th
30.4%
Defensive Rebounds
26th
23.3
87th
21.6
Steals
82nd
7.6
93rd
7.8
Blocks
128th
2.8
111th
3.4
Key Takeaways
Akron’s offense (84.0 PPG, 14th) is significantly better than Kent State’s (70.0 PPG, 294th).
Kent State’s defense (64.2 PPG allowed, 23rd) is strong but will be tested by Akron’s elite offense.
Akron’s three-point shooting (36.2%) is a major mismatch against Kent State’s poor three-point shooting (28.9%).
Akron has a rebounding edge (37.1 RPG, 23rd) over Kent State (32.8 RPG, 152nd), though Kent State’s offensive rebounding (11.1 ORPG, 33rd) could help them stay competitive.
Pace & Tempo
Akron plays faster (84.0 PPG, 14th) and gets up a lot of shots.
Kent State plays slower (70.0 PPG, 294th) and relies on defense.
Edge: Akron, who should dictate the pace and offensive flow.
Home/Away Performance
Team
Record
ATS
O/U
Home
Away
Akron
15-5
10-8-0
12-6-0
10-0
4-3
Kent State
13-7
10-8-0
4-14-0
6-3
5-3
Akron is undefeated at home (10-0), while Kent State is solid on the road (5-3).
Akron has already beaten Kent State three times in 2024, showing clear matchup dominance.
Matchup-Specific Factors
Perimeter Play:Akron’s 3PT shooting (36.2%) is a major advantage against Kent State’s weak perimeter offense (28.9%).
Rebounding Battle:Akron’s rebounding edge (37.1 RPG, 23rd) is significant, though Kent State’s offensive rebounding (11.1 ORPG, 33rd) could help them keep the game close.
Turnover Battle:Both teams force turnovers at similar rates, but Akron’s ball movement (18.4 APG, 7th) helps negate that.
Game Odds
Team
Spread
Total
Moneyline
Akron
+2.5 (-110)
o144.5 (-115)
+110
Kent State
-2.5 (-110)
u144.5 (-105)
-135
Prediction & Betting Insights
Predicted Winner & Final Score:Akron 76, Kent State 69
Spread Pick:Akron +2.5
Total (O/U) Lean:Under 144.5
Confidence Level:High
Best Bet: Akron +2.5
Akron’s offensive efficiency, rebounding edge, and 3-0 record against Kent State this season make them the superior pick. Expect them to control the pace and cover the spread.
