A popular upset bracket March Madness pick will see the Kent State Golden Flashes against the Indiana Hoosiers.
Though the Hoosiers’ current odds to win March Madness are also attractive to people because of their potential path forward. While the NCAA basketball games today get going, fans will have to wait late into the first round for the potential upset.
Both teams were solid in the college basketball standings and protected their home courts, but the Flashes were 9-6 on the road and 4-0 on a neutral court. But they will have to contend with an All-American post which most NCAA basketball teams can not match up with.
Here is a breakdown of each team, the odds, and other important factors before a Kent State vs Indiana prediction.
Kent State Golden Flashes vs. Indiana Hoosiers Odds
Kent State Golden Flashes vs. Indiana Hoosiers Information
Kent State Golden Flashes vs Indiana Hoosiers
Location: MVP Arena, Albany, NY.
Date and Time: Friday, March 17, 2023, 9:55 PM ET.
How to Watch: ESPN+
Updates for Kent State Golden Flashes vs. Indiana Hoosiers
While the Hoosiers have had plenty of time to adjust to losing starting point guard Xavier Johnson early in the season, Kent State had reserve guard Giovanni Santiago added to the college basketball injury report with a hand injury on March 4.
He’s one of the important college basketball players after averaging nearly 27 minutes per game and scoring 7.5 points with 1.1 steals per game.
Kent State Golden Flashes vs. Indiana Hoosiers Betting Preview
NCAAB odds show Indiana is favored by four points, with -110 odds on either side. The over/under is 140.5 with the same -110 odds. Kent State is +160 on the moneyline, while Indiana is -185. Kent State’s implied team total is 68.5, while Indiana’s is 72.5, with -115 odds on either side.
Kent State (28-6) is 1-3 and 4-0 against the spread against tournament teams, all on the road. They beat Northern Kentucky, lost by two to College of Charleston, by five to No. 1 seed Houston and by seven to Gonzaga in their NCAAB schedule. Two of those teams have solid odds to win March Madness.
Key Players to Watch: Who Will Step Up for Kent State?
But the Flashes are 111th in Ken Pomeroy’s adjusted offensive efficiency while they are 39th defensively. Will they get enough stops without a player taller than 6 foot 9? Then they were 217th in making 33.7% of 3-point shots, so can they hit enough perimeter shots to beat Indiana?
The Hoosiers (22-11) have struggled against teams with great guards, and Kent State has good ones. But Indiana has Trayce Jackson-Davis, who can take over a game at any time and averaged 20.5 points, 11.0 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 2.8 blocks per game. While he is only 6-9, he has a great wingspan and is athletic.
Indiana was 12th in making 48.9% of field goal attempts and 28th in converting 37.6% of 3-point shots, which allowed Jackson-Davis space inside to work, or Race Thompson or reserve Malik Reneau. That interior depth is a big factor when considering a Kent State vs Indiana prediction.
Kent State Golden Flashes vs. Indiana Hoosiers Betting Prediction
NCAAB picks favor the Flashes, with 58% of public bets on them to cover the spread. Another 58% of bets are on the over. Kent State was 21-10-1 against the spread and 12-19-1 on over/under. It was 5-0 against the spread as underdogs this season, including the four aforementioned games against tournament teams.
Meanwhile, Indiana was 15-17-1 against the spread and 19-13-1 on over/under. The Hoosiers were 8-9-1 against the spread as favorites, including 6-4-1 by 4.5 points or less. Indiana’s KenPom metrics had the Hoosiers 28th in adjusted offensive efficiency and 42nd in adjusted defensive efficiency. The depth inside is a big bonus, and all it takes is one-half of hot 3-point shooting.
Below is our Kent State vs Indiana prediction.
Betting on this event:
- Bet on Indiana to win. As for the correct score, go with Indiana 72-65 Kent State.
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