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Kent State vs. Toledo Prediction and Odds (Launch Your Betting Day with the Rockets at Home)

By Ben Heisler

Dec 4, 2021; East Lansing, Michigan, USA; Toledo Rockets guard Ryan Rollins (5) goes to the basket
Dec 4, 2021; East Lansing, Michigan, USA; Toledo Rockets guard Ryan Rollins (5) goes to the basket / Dale Young-USA TODAY Sports
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The Toledo Rockets look to take a slight lead at the top of the MAC this evening when they host the Kent State Golden Flashes with an early 6 p.m. ET tip from Savage Arena.

Kent State has won six straight, but comes off a close call on the road vs. Akron their last time out. Meanwhile, Toledo has won two blowouts after having their nine-game win streak was snapped back on February 4th against Ball State.

Here are the latest odds over at WynnBET Sportsbook:

Kent State vs. Toledo Odds, Spread and Total

Spread:

  • Kent State +8.5 (-110)
  • Toledo -8.5 (-110)

Moneyline:

  • Kent State +310
  • Toledo -400

Total:

145.5 (OVER -110 | UNDER -110)

Kent State vs. Toledo Prediction and Pick

If you're going to take a side with Toledo, it's almost inevitable that they're going to cover. They haven't played a close game in over a month, winning by three on the road against Ball State. Every other matchup has been a blowout win by eight or more points in seven of their last eight matchups.

While both teams are at or near the top of the MAC standings, this is a much bigger mismatch for Kent State and the odds reflect that.

Toledo comes in as the No. 68 ranked team in the country over at KenPom, a full 92 teams ahead of Kent State. They're extremely efficient on offense, ranking first in the conference and 31st in the country. They also are a superb free throw shooting team, ranking eighth-best in college basketball at 79% on the season.

While Kent State actually matches up well based on their defensive metrics in conference (2nd in defensive efficiency, and 3rd in effective field goal percentage), the numbers get more more eye-opening when compared to every team in the country (111th in defensive efficiency, 114th in effective FG %). The Golden Flashes will need every bit of their defense to rise up if they plan to slow down one of the better offenses in college hops.

The Rockets have been one of the better teams against the spread this season, They've gone 75% ATS, going 18-6-0 vs. the number with an ATS +/- of 5.2 via TeamRankings with a 12.3-point average margin of victory. I'm buying them to cruise and cover the 8.5 at home easily.

PICK: Toledo -8.5 (-110)

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