Akron vs Kent State Pick – Basketball Predictions & Odds 2/3/23

The Kent State Golden Flashes and the Akron Zips meet Friday in college basketball action from James A. Rhodes Arena. Kent State is 18-4 on the year so far. The Flashes beat Central Michigan in their last game. As for Akron, they’re sitting at 16-6 after a win over Buffalo on Tuesday. Check back all season long for free college basketball picks at Sports Chat Place.

Kent State Golden Flashes

The Flashes hit a nice 13-3 stretch through their first 16 games this year, losing to only Charleston, Houston and Gonzaga along the way. Kent State is 5-1 in their last six games, taking a lone loss to Northern Illinois in that time. 

On Tuesday in the Central Michigan game, the Flashes were down 44-41 at the break. Kent State fired back on a 40-25 run from there and won it 81-69. Chris Payton doubled up on 18 points and 12 rebounds to lead the way. 

Akron Zips

Over on the Akron side, they lost to Mississippi State, Nevada, LSU, Marshall, Bradley and Ball State in their first 16 outings. The Zips have since taken wins over Eastern Michigan, Central Michigan, Western Michigan, Miami-OH, Ohio and Buffalo. 

Matched up against Buffalo on Tuesday, the Zips stormed out to a 42-25 lead. Akron kept the pace in the second half on a 39-39 run and won the game 81-64. Leading scorer was Xavier Castaneda with 32 points and three boards. 

ANDREW’S FREE PICK 

I’m going to stay with Akron. The Zips are looking pretty impressive over this current 7-0 run. They’ve hit 69 or more points in six of those games, so the offense is working pretty well right now. As for Kent State, they’re on a nice 12-1 run themselves. The Flashes have scored 67 or more points in 12 of those 13 outings, so we could end up with a shootout on Friday. I like this one to be a back-and-forth battle that comes down to the wire, with Akron powering out a cover/win in the end. Should be a fun game to watch.