As the calendar flips to late January, the college basketball landscape is starting to take shape, and Monday's matchup between Miami (OH) and Kent State has real consequences for both teams. The RedHawks, boasting a flawless 21-0 record, are solidly in the tournament field, but a win at the M.A.C. Center would further cement their position. Meanwhile, Kent State, with a 16-5 record and a NET ranking of 140, is in dire need of quality wins to build a tournament resume.
The Golden Flashes' quad record tells the story of a team that has dominated inferior opponents but struggled against tougher foes, with an 0-1 mark in Quad 1 and Quad 2 games. A win over Miami (OH) would be a massive boost, but the CHD Scout prediction gives Kent State just a 28.8% chance of pulling off the upset, with the RedHawks favored by 6 points. Miami (OH)'s impressive quad record, which includes a 3-0 mark in Quad 2 games, suggests they're well-equipped to handle the challenge.
CHD Scout Prediction
Miami (OH)
87
Kent State
81
With neither team boasting a particularly hot or cold player, this matchup will likely come down to which team can impose its will on the other. Kent State's recent form has been inconsistent, with a loss in their last outing, while Miami (OH) is riding a 3-game win streak. Given the RedHawks' impressive record and the Golden Flashes' struggles against quality opponents, I predict Miami (OH) will escape Kent with a 6-point victory, 87-81, behind their balanced attack and tournament-tested mettle.