Kent State vs Central Michigan Prediction 1/10/2026 Today’s College Basketball Picks

The Kent State Golden Flashes and the Central Michigan Chippewas meet Saturday in college basketball action from the McGuirk Arena. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best bets for this game. Here’s a Kent State Golden Flashes vs. Central Michigan Chippewas prediction.

Kent State Golden Flashes Recap

The Kent State Golden Flashes come into this game looking to add on to their 96-93 win over Bowling Green last time out to sit at 12-3 this season. After this game, Kent State will head on the road for a game against Buffalo.

Golden Flashes Win Back-To-Back Games

Delrecco Gillespie leads Kent State in scoring and rebounding by averaging a double-double per game with 19.1 PPG and 11.9 RPG while Morgan Safford has 14.1 PPG and 5.4 RPG as well this season. Rob Whaley Jr. has 10.6 PPG and 3 RPG to cap off the group of double-digit scorers for Kent State so far this season. Quinn Woidke has 9.9 PPG with 2.8 RPG and Cian Medley has 9.8 PPG with a team-high 6.2 APG to lead Kent State in assists while Jahari Williamson’s chipped in 9.1 PPG as well this season. As a team, Kent State is averaging 90.6 PPG on 48.1% shooting from the field, 36.4% from three and 74.3% from the foul line so far this season. 

Central Michigan Chippewas Recap

The Central Michigan Chippewas come into this game looking to shake off an 82-69 loss at the hands of Akron last time out to sit at 4-11 this season. After this game, Central Michigan will head on the road for a game against Miami-Ohio.

Chippewas Drop 5th In A Row

Nathan Claerbaut leads the Chippewas in scoring and rebounding with 12.8 PPG and 6.8 RPG and Tamario Adley has 10.9 PPG with 4.1 RPG and 3.7 APG to own the team lead in assists as the only other double-digit scorer for Central Michigan so far this season while Phat Phat Brooks has 9.2 PPG with 3.4 APG. Rodney Johnson Jr. has 8.9 PPG with 3.8 RPG and Nick Mullen has 7.9 PPG with 5.1 RPG. As a team, Central Michigan is averaging 71.9 PPG on 45.1% shooting from the field, 27.2% from three and 71.4% from the foul line this season.

Kent State Golden Flashes @ Central Michigan Chippewas Betting Trends: January 10, 2026

Why the Central Michigan Chippewas will win

• The home team has won each of the last four games between Kent State and Central Michigan.
• Central Michigan has won the first half in each of its last seven Saturday games against Conference opponents.

Why the Kent State Golden Flashes will win

• Kent State has won 12 of its last 13 games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
• Central Michigan has lost each of its last six day games.
• Central Michigan has lost the first half in 10 of its last 12 day games against Conference opponents at McGuirk Arena.

Total Points Facts

• Each of Kent State’s last 13 day games against Conference opponents have produced a total of 152 or fewer points.
• Each of Central Michigan’s last 12 day games against Conference opponents have produced a total of 153 or fewer points.

Matchup/League Facts

• Central Michigan ranks 360th among Division 1 teams for three-point percentage this season (28.2%).
• Central Michigan ranks 19th among Division 1 teams for opponent free throw percentage this season (66.8%).
• Kent State has recorded the equal-longest home winning streak among Division 1 teams this season (10 games).
• Kent State ranks 11th among Division 1 teams for pace this season (75.1).

Kent State Golden Flashes vs. Central Michigan Chippewas Prediction

I’m on Kent State here. I just don’t think that the Chippewas are any good this season and while Kent State isn’t the same top-tier MAC team this season, I still think that they’re good enough here to beat down on a bad CMU team that just can’t get it together. I think Kent State wins this one by double-digits. Give me the Golden Flashes.

Chris Ruffolo's Pick: Kent State -9.5