Portland Pilots vs Kent State Golden Flashes NCAA Basketball Betting Pick & Prediction 12/6/24

Don’t miss out on the NCAA showdown between the Pilots and Golden Flashes. The game is starting at 7:00 ET on ESPN+, and it’s hosted by the Golden Flashes at MAC Center in Kent, OH. Get ready to place your bets! The odds for this non-conference game currently have Kent State as the -12.5 favorite, with the over/under line sitting at 137.5 points.

PORTLAND PILOTS VS KENT STATE GOLDEN FLASHES BETTING PICK

The Pick: Portland Pilots +12.5

This game will be played at MAC Center at 7:00 ET on Friday, December 6th.

WHY BET THE PORTLAND PILOTS:

• We have this one finishing with a projected score of 79-69 in favor of the Golden Flashes.
• Even though we have Kent State winning straight-up, we like Portland at +12.5.
• The over/under is currently sitting at 137.5 points, and we like the over with a projected 148 points.

Does Portland Have What it Takes to Win as Road Underdogs?

Portland Pilots Recent Game/Games

Portland improved to 2-5 on the season with a 101-90 win over Denver on Sunday. The Pilots were -6.5 favorites going into the game and covered the spread, while the total points of 191 exceeded the O/U line of 148.5.

Portland led 39-30 at halftime but allowed 40 points in the 2nd half while scoring 31. Despite the defensive lapse, they held on for the win.

Portland’s offense exploded for 101 points in their last game, shooting 48.4% from the field and hitting 60% of their two-point attempts. They connected on 10 threes at a 34.5% rate, with an effective field goal percentage of 56.2%.

At the free-throw line, the Pilots were nearly automatic, making 29 of 34 attempts (85.3%). They dished out 21 assists, with Vukasin Masic leading the way with 27 points, while Austin Rapp and Nicholas Shogbonyo each added 20.

Portland’s defense struggled, allowing 90 points on 48% shooting from the field. The Pilots gave up 21 two-point baskets on 35 attempts, a 60% success rate for their opponent.

From beyond the arc, Portland’s opponent hit 10 of 29 threes, shooting 34%. The Pilots also sent them to the free-throw line 34 times, where they converted 29 for 85%.

Are Kent State Ready for a Home Win?

Kent State Golden Flashes Recent Game/Games

Kent State improved to 5-2 on the season with a 67-60 win over Kennesaw State on Saturday. The Golden Flashes were favored by 5.5 points and covered the spread with the victory.

After leading 35-29 at halftime, Kent State scored 32 points in the second half while allowing 31. The total points for the game were 127, falling under the 140.5-point line.

In their last game, Kent State struggled offensively, shooting just 28.6% from the field and 17.2% from three-point range, hitting only 5 of 29 attempts. Their effective field goal percentage was 31.7%, but they were strong at the free-throw line, making 26 of 33 attempts for a 78.8% success rate.

The Golden Flashes grabbed 20 offensive rebounds and finished with just 8 assists. Simeon Cottle led the team with 17 points and 4 assists, while VonCameron Davis added 16 points and 6 rebounds.

Kent State’s defense was dominant, holding their opponent to just 60 points on 28% shooting from the field. They were especially effective at defending the three-point line, where they limited the opposition to 5 made threes on 29 attempts, a 17% success rate.

Inside the arc, Kent State gave up 13 two-point field goals on 34 attempts, with the opponent shooting 38%. The Golden Flashes also sent their opponent to the free-throw line 33 times, where they converted 26 free throws for 78%.