Ohio vs. Kent State odds, line, start time: 2024 college basketball picks, Jan. 26 predictions by proven model
The Kent State Golden Flashes (10-9) are hosting the Ohio Bobcats (9-10) in a MAC showdown on Friday. This is the first matchup of the season between these in-state rivals. Kent State has defeated the Bobcats in four straight games. In Feb. 2023, the Golden Flashes outlasted Ohio 82-75.
Tipoff from the MAC Center in Kent, Ohio is set for 6:30 p.m. ET. Kent State leads the all-time series 31-20. The Golden Flashes are 3-point favorites in the latest Ohio vs. Kent State odds from SportsLine consensus, while the over/under for total points scored is 147. Before making any Kent State vs. Ohio picks, be sure to see the college basketball predictions and betting advice from the SportsLine Projection Model.
The model simulates every Division I college basketball game 10,000 times. It enters Week 12 of the 2023-24 season on a 114-73 roll on all top-rated college basketball picks dating back to last season, returning more than $2,000 for $100 players. It is also off to a sizzling 19-5 start on top-rated spread picks this season. Anyone following has seen huge returns.
Now, the model has set its sights on Ohio vs. Kent State and revealed its CBB picks and predictions. You can head to SportsLine now to see the model's picks. Here are several college basketball odds and trends for Kent State vs. Ohio:
- Ohio vs. Kent State spread: Golden Flashes -3
- Ohio vs. Kent State Over-Under: 147 points
- Ohio vs. Kent State money line: Golden Flashes -156, Bobcats +131
- OHIO: Has hit the 1H Game Total Over in 12 of its last 15 away games
- KENT: Has hit the Game Total Over in 14 of its last 17 home games
- Ohio vs. Kent State picks: See picks at SportsLine
Why Ohio can cover
Senior guard Jaylin Hunter is one of the main contributors to the Bobcats. Hunter is able to create his own shot but owns the court vision to get his teammates efficient looks. The Connecticut native leads the team in scoring (13.4) and assists (4.7). He's dropped at least 14 points in three of his last six games, including on Jan. 20 when Hunter finished with 14 points, five rebounds, and five assists.
Senior guard Shereef Mitchell joins Hunter in the backcourt. Mitchell gets downhill in a flash with the instincts to disrupt passing lanes. The Nebraska native puts up 13.4 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 1.2 steals per game. In his last outing, Mitchell logged 14 points and seven boards, which was his fifth straight game with 13-plus points. See which team to pick here.
Why Kent State can cover
Senior forward Chris Payton Jr. brings some nice length and athleticism to the frontcourt. Payton Jr. gets into the lane with no problem and absorbs contact around the rim. The Illinois native put up 13.9 points, 7.8 rebounds, and shoots 51% from the field. On Jan. 16 versus Northern Illinois, Payton Jr. tallied 13 points, five rebounds, and five blocks.
Junior forward VonCameron Davis provides the team with another floor-spacer. Davis takes efficient shots and can knock down shots on the perimeter when needed. The Ohio native averages 12.6 points and 4.7 rebounds per contest. He's amassed 20-plus points in three of his last four outings, and in his previous matchup, Davis notched 21 points and 10 boards. See which team to pick here.
How to make Ohio vs. Kent State picks
SportsLine's model is leaning Over on the total, projecting the teams to combine for 153 points. The model also says one side of the spread hits in well over 50% of simulations. You can only get the model's pick at SportsLine.
