Akron vs. Kent State Prediction and Odds in MAC Tournament Finals (Zips To Emerge Victorious)
By Joe Summers
The 23-9 Akron Zips toppled #1 Toledo yesterday and now take on the 23-9 Kent State Golden Flashes in the MAC Tournament Finals today at 7:30 PM EST.
Akron was +1000 to win the tournament coming in but have won seven straight and covered the spread in six of those wins, while Kent State (+320 pre-tournament) has won 11 in a row and is 9-1-2 against the spread (ATS) over that stretch.
The Golden Flashes swept the series in the regular season with wins of 12 and two points - can they make it three in a row over the Zips or will Akron continue their strong play and stamp a ticket to March Madness?
Let's check out the odds over at WynnBET to help us find value in this MAC Tournament Championship matchup:
Akron vs Kent State Odds, Spread and Total
Spread
- Akron +1 (-110)
- Kent State -1 (-110)
Moneyline:
- Akron: +100
- Kent State: -120
Total:
- 124.5 (Over -110/Under -110)
Akron vs Kent State Prediction and Pick
Kent State has been a fantastic team to bet on all season, but Akron is playing like the better team and is going to win the MAC Tournament today.
Over their last five games, the Zips are in the 85th percentile in net rating thanks to a 94th-percentile ranking in offensive rating. They're shooting the lights out and are in the 100th percentile in free throw attempts rate. Kent State ranks 302nd nationally in defensive free throw rate so Akron should live at the line in this one.
The Zips are playing confidently and were in control over Toledo from start to finish. The Golden Flashes, on the other hand, have struggled offensively despite emerging victorious. Kent State is in the 14th percentile in effective field goal percentage and the 1st percentile in three-point shooting over their last five. Akron is in the 89th percentile in three-point shooting in that time span and 80th in two-point shooting so they'll be able to score at every level.
I expect a close game but the Zips' advantage at the free throw line to prove the difference. Akron is going dancing, baby.
Pick: Akron +100
Follow all of Joe Summers' betting picks here.