Miami Ohio at Kent State

Can #5 really beat #1? We think so! The Redhawks thrive in the MAC tournament with a 33-22 lifetime mark and a title last year. This year they ahve posted wins over Buffalo and Ohio to advance here. They are playing great defense, a key for us in predicting an upset win. They held Ohio to 37.9% from the floor last game. Over their last five games, they have held opponents on average to just 36.4% from the field and 57.4 ppg! During that run, their offense, bad for most of the season, has improved tremendously as they averaged 66 ppg. The Redhawks are 10-2 straight-up the past two seasons vs. slow-down teams like Kent (those averaging under 53 shots per game). They are also 7-2 SU in their last nine facing a team over .800 after the mid-way point in the season. Miami is also 7-3 this season when the total is under 120. This is anyone's game and we like the underdog, especially at 1.6 to 1 odds.