Kent State vs Akron Prediction 1/30/2026 Today’s College Basketball Picks

In this article we will formulate a Kent State vs Akron prediction for this College Basketball game on Friday, January 30th at James A. Rhodes Arena in Akron, Ohio. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this College Basketball matchup.

Kent State Golden Flashes Betting Preview

The Kent State Golden Flashes are 16-5 (7-2) this season after they defeated Ohio by a score of 72-57 in their last game. Kent State led 28-24 at halftime and they scored 44 points in the second half to secure the win. The Golden Flashes shot 38% from the field, 30% on three pointers, and 74% on free throws in the game. Morgan Safford led Kent State with 18 points and 10 rebounds, while Delrecco Gillespie added 15 points and 12 rebounds in the win. 

Prior to that game, Kent State defeated Eastern Michigan by a score of 76-75, but lost to Miami (OH) by a score of 107-101 before that. The Golden Flashes have scored 89.2 points per game with 40.5 rebounds and 17.6 assists per game, while they have allowed 81.6 points against per game this season. Delrecco Gillespie is averaging 19.1 points and 12.3 rebounds per game, while Morgan Safford is averaging 14.0 points and 6.2 rebounds per game for the Golden Flashes. Kent State is shooting 47.2% from the field, 75.3% on free throws, and 36.3% on three pointers this season. 

Akron Zips Betting Preview

The Akron Zips are 17-4 (8-1) this year after they defeated Toledo by a score of 91-81 in their last game. Akron trailed 49-41 at halftime, but they scored 50 points in the second half in the win. The Zips shot 51% from the field, 37% on three pointers, and 79% on free throws in the game. Tavari Johnson led Akron with 25 points and seven assists, while Amani Lyles added 19 points and five rebounds in the win. 

Prior to that game, Akron defeated Ohio by a score of 86-65 and Buffalo by a score of 82-63. The Zips have scored 92.6 points per game with 38.2 rebounds and 20.0 assists per game, while they have allowed 75.5 points against per game this season. Tavari Johnson is averaging 20.5 points and 5.6 assists per game, while Amani Lyles is averaging 15.6 points and 7.5 rebounds per game for the Zips. Akron is shooting 51.8% from the field, 76.7% on free throws, and 38.5% on three pointers this year. 

Why the Akron Zips will win

• Akron has won each of its last 27 games at James A. Rhodes Arena against non-AP-ranked opponents.
• Kent State has lost seven of its last eight games at James A. Rhodes Arena against non-AP-ranked opponents.

Why the Kent State Golden Flashes will win

• Kent State has won 16 of its last 18 games against non-AP-ranked opponents.

Total Points Facts

• Each of Kent State’s last eight games against non-AP-ranked opponents at James A. Rhodes Arena have produced a total of 155 or fewer points.
• Fifty-eight of Akron’s last 62 night games against the Mid-American Conference at James A. Rhodes Arena have produced a total of 170 or fewer points.

Kent State vs Akron Prediction 

Both of these teams come into this matchup in the top three of the MAC standings, so this is a big game for each side. Akron is shooting 52% from the field and they have scored at least 82 points in five straight games. Kent State is shooting 47% from the field, but they have had some issues on defense. I think we are going to see plenty of scoring in this game, but I also think these teams are very evenly matched. Take the points with Kent State here.

David Racey's Pick: Kent State +11.5