Kent State Golden Flashes vs UC Irvine Anteaters Matchup

Read on to get betting odds and analysis in our Kent State vs UC Irvine NCAA Basketball prediction and preview and see who we think will win and cover the spread in Lethbridge.

Kent State vs UC Irvine Prediction

Making on a bet on this NCAA game featuring the Golden Flashes versus the Anteaters? Tip off is at at 9:30 ET, and you can watch it all unfold on ESPN+. The game will be played at VisitLethbridge.com Arena in Lethbridge, AB. The odds for this non-conference game currently have UC Irvine as the -6.5 favorite, with the over/under line sitting at 137.5 points.

Kent State vs. UC Irvine Matchup At A Glance

Sport: NCAAB
Teams: Kent State Golden Flashes at UC Irvine Anteaters
Where: Lethbridge at VisitLethbridge.com Arena
Date: Friday, November 29th
Betting Odds UCIRV -6.5, KENTST +214 | UCIRV -265 O/U 137.5

Golden Flashes Preview: Taking a Look at the Golden Flashes Chances in Lethbridge

Kent State improved their season record with a 65-54 road win over Towson on Thursday. Entering the game as -1.5 favorites, the Golden Flashes not only secured the win but also covered the spread.

After leading 30-25 at halftime, Kent State outscored Towson 35-29 in the second half. The game’s total points of 119 fell short of the 130.5 O/U line.

Golden Flashes Offense Breakdown

Kent State managed 65 points in their last game, shooting 42.6% from the field. Their effective field goal percentage was 49.2%, with a 51.5% success rate on two-pointers and 32.1% from beyond the arc, hitting 9 of 28 threes. They struggled at the free-throw line, converting just 4 of 8 attempts.

Dylan Williamson led the way with 21 points, knocking down 4 of 7 threes. VonCameron Davis added 18 points, shooting 61.5% overall and 50% from deep. Kent State recorded 11 offensive rebounds and 12 assists in the game.

Golden Flashes Team Defense

Kent State put on a defensive clinic, holding their opponent to just 54 points on 38% shooting from the field. The Golden Flashes were particularly effective inside, where they limited their opponent to 38% shooting on two-point attempts, as they made just 10 of 26 shots.

From beyond the arc, Kent State allowed 8 threes on 21 attempts, with their opponent also shooting 66% from the free-throw line, hitting 10 of 15. The Golden Flashes gave up 8 offensive rebounds in the game.

Anteaters Preview: Does UC Irvine Have a Shot at a Home Win?

UC Irvine improved to 5-2 on the season with a 76-59 win over Kennesaw State on Thursday. The Anteaters, who were -10.5 favorites, covered the spread at home. The total points for the game were 135, falling short of the 154.5 O/U line.

UC Irvine took control early, leading 43-27 at halftime. In the second half, they scored 33 points while allowing 32, maintaining their lead and securing the win.

Anteaters Offense Breakdown

UC Irvine put up 76 points in their last game, shooting 51.6% from the field with an effective field goal percentage of 56.5%. They were dominant inside, hitting 66.7% of their two-point attempts, while struggling from beyond the arc, connecting on just 26.1% of their threes.

The Anteaters recorded 24 assists, with Adrian Wooley dishing out 4 to go along with his team-high 19 points. Jurian Dixon was efficient in just 15 minutes, scoring 15 points on 7-of-8 shooting.

Anteaters Team Defense

Despite UC Irvine allowing 59 points, their defense struggled, giving up 51% shooting from the field. The Anteaters allowed 32 made field goals on 62 attempts.

Inside the arc, UC Irvine's defense gave up 66% shooting, with the opposing team hitting 26 of 39 two-point attempts. From three-point range, they allowed 6 threes on 23 attempts, a 26% shooting rate.

Golden Flashes vs Anteaters Betting Odds, Trends & Analysis

Kent State has played well in their previous 5 road games, going 3-2 straight up. In this stretch, they averaged 64 points per game while allowing 62. The team also performed well vs the spread at 4-1.
The Anteaters are 2-1 ATS in their last three home games and 3-0 straight-up.
Going back to their previous three games as the underdog, Kent State has an ATS mark of 2-1 while going 1-2 straight up.
The last ten games that UC Irvine was favored, they have an ATS mark of 7-3 while going 9-1 straight up.