Buffalo vs Kent State 1/21/22 College Basketball Picks, Predictions, Odds

The Kent State Golden Flashes will travel to Alumni Arena to take on the Buffalo Bulls this Friday night in College Basketball action.

The Kent State Golden Flashes won their 2^nd straight game and improved to 9-8 on the season after defeating the Eastern Michigan Eagles, 56-47, this past Tuesday. Kent State was outstanding defensively against Eastern Michigan and had no trouble cruising to victory in the 2^nd half after going into halftime with a 26-17 lead. Kent State shot 42.6% from the field & 25.0% from beyond the arc while holding Eastern Michigan to 25.6% shooting from the field & 12.5% from beyond the arc. Leading the way for the Golden Flashes was Malique Jacobs who had 17 points, 5 rebounds, 2 blocks, & 4 steals.

On the season, Kent State is averaging 68.5 ppg on 68.5% shooting from the field. The Golden Flashes are averaging 6.8 three-pointers per game on 30.1% shooting from beyond the arc. Offensively, Kent State has been led by Sincere Carry (17.8 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 4.9 apg, 1.6 spg), Malique Jacobs (12.3 ppg, 7.0 rpg, 2.4 apg, 1.4 spg), Justyn Hamilton (8.9 ppg, 6.2 rpg, 1.2 bpg), & Giovanni Santiago (7.7 ppg, 2.9 rpg, 2.0 apg, 1.4 spg).

Defensviely, Kent State is allowing their opponents to average 72.9 ppg on 42.3% shooting from the field. The Golden Flashes have a rebound margin of 6.5 and a turnover margin of -0.7.

The Buffalo Bulls won their 3^rd straight game and improved to 9-6 on the season after defeating the Ball State Cardinals, 74-68, this past Friday. Buffalo struggled a bit offensively against Ball State, however, the Bulls defense was great throughout the game, and Buffalo was able to hold off the Cardinals for the victory after taking a 64-58 lead with 6:58 left in regulation. Buffalo shot 40.6% from the field & 35.5% from beyond the arc while holding Ball State to 35.0% shooting from the field & 16.0% from beyond the arc. Leading the way for the Bulls was Jeenathan Williams who had 20 points, 4 rebounds, 2 blocks, & 2 steals.

On the season, Buffalo is averaging 81.6 ppg on 45.8% shooting from the field. The Bulls are averaging 9.0 three-pointers per game on 34.0% shooting from beyond the arc. Offensively, Buffalo has been led by Jeenathan Williams (18.3 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 2.4 apg, 1.1 spg), Ronaldo Segu (16.2 ppg, 2.7 rpg, 5.2 apg), Josh Mballa (14.2 ppg, 8.1 rpg, 1.0 apg, 1.6 spg), & Maceo Jack (10.2 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 1.2 apg).

Defensively, Buffalo is allowing their opponents to average 72.9 ppg on 42.3% shooting from the field. The Bulls have a rebound margin of 6.5 and a turnover margin of -0.7.

The Golden Flashes are 4-8 ATS in their last 12 games & 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games against Buffalo. The Bulls are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games and 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games vs. MAC opponents.

Kent State has been led by their defense which ranks 32^nd in scoring defense & defensive FG%, however, the Golden Flashes offense has struggled at times as they come into this matchup ranked just 255^th in scoring offense & 270^th in FG%. Buffalo has been led by their offense which ranks 12^th in scoring offense & 105^th in FG%, however, the Bulls have struggled defensively and currently ranks just 279^th in scoring defense.

Kent State has been inconsistent this season, however, they no doubt have talent on this team as we’ve seen them pick up some solid wins against Toledo & Akron. Buffalo is 4-1 at home this season, however, Buffalo has struggled defensively as of late, allowing opponents to average 82.3 ppg over thier last 5 games and as I think Kent State can keep this competitive, I think the play here is to take Golden Flashes and the points. Good Luck!