Kent State vs Eastern Michigan Prediction 1/24/2026 Today’s College Basketball Picks

The Kent State Golden Flashes and the Eastern Michigan Eagles meet Saturday in college basketball action from EMU Convocation Center in Ypsilanti. Here’s a Kent State vs Eastern Michigan prediction. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best Kent State vs Eastern Michigan pick. We will examine the recent form and player performances for both teams, as well as the recent betting trends and streaks pertaining to this matchup. As we conclude, we will tie it all together with a summary that produces a sensible pick for a favorable betting outcome in this game.

Kent State Golden Flashes Betting Preview

The Golden Flashes got off to a great start this year, notching a 9-1 run over their first 10 games. Kent State would then lose to Portland and Purdue over the next three, but they’ve since gone 4-2 over a six-game stretch. Those wins came courtesy of Northern Illinois, Bowling Green, Buffalo and Toledo. Over the first 19 games of the season so far, that gives the Golden Flashes a 14-5 overall run.

Back on Tuesday versus Miami-OH, the Flashes entered the second half with a 14-point deficit 48-34. Kent State was able to make up the disadvantage from there with 58 more points and forced overtime. In the end however, the Flashes came up just short on a 107-101 OT defeat. Leading the team in the losing effort was Rob Whaley with a double-double on 27 points, 14 rebounds and five assists.

Eastern Michigan Eagles Betting Preview

Over on the Eagles’ side, they were able to muster a 6-4 record over their first 10 games, just barely keeping their heads above the .500 mark overall. Eastern Michigan would hit a 3-6 run in the next nine however, falling versus Fort Wayne, Akron, Wright State, Ohio, Western Michigan and Bowling Green in that time. Across the first 19 games this year the Eagles have managed to put a 9-10 record in the books.

Last weekend in the Bowling Green road matchup, the Eagles were in the locker room looking up at a 46-36 deficit on the scoreboard. Eastern Michigan got better from there on a 43-39 advantage in the second half but it wasn’t enough in an 85-79 loss in the end. Tops on the team in scoring were Braelon Green (two rebounds) and Mehki Ellison (four assists; three rebounds), each with 22 points.

Kent State Golden Flashes @ Eastern Michigan Eagles Betting Trends: January 24, 2026

Why the Eastern Michigan Eagles will win

• Eastern Michigan has won 10 of its last 12 day games at George Gervin GameAbove Center following a road loss.
• Kent State has lost the first half in three of its last four games against Conference opponents.

Why the Kent State Golden Flashes will win

• Kent State has won 14 of its last 16 games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
• Eastern Michigan has lost each of its last four day games against the Mid-American Conference.

Kent State vs Eastern Michigan Prediction

I’ll just stay with Kent State here. The Golden Flashes rallied in the second half against an unbeaten Miami-OH team and nearly pulled off the upset this week but it wasn’t to be. Kent State ended up shooting 48.5 percent from the field and 80.6 percent (25-of-31) from the line alongside a 37-29 rebounding edge. The Flashes gave up 54.3 percent shooting on defense though, and had 16 turnovers in the loss. Kent State had won four of five prior to that however, with 87 or more points in three of the four wins.

As for Eastern Michigan, they shot very well (50.8 percent) in their loss to Bowling Green last weekend and stayed competitive on the boards and in the paint. The Eagles were burned by a great outside shooting performance by the Falcons though (9-of-13 for 69.2 percent). EMU is 3-3 in their last six games but overall they’re scoring pretty well during that time so we should have a decent total here.

Andrew Jett's Pick: Kent State Golden Flashes -4.5