The 6-7 Kent State Golden Flashes head to DeKalb to take on the 7-6 Northern Illinois Huskies as both teams open league play.

Game Details

When: Tuesday, Jan. 2nd, 8 p.m. (Est, 7 p.m. local)

Where: DeKalb, Illinois

Watch: ESPN or stream via the WatchESPN app

Line: NIU -3

Players to Watch

Eugene German, NIU: After showing flashes of brilliance as a freshman, German has come on to average nearly 20 points per game so far in his sophomore campaign.

Levi Bradley, NIU: The 6’7 guard is averaging 13.8 points and 5.7 rebounds.

Jaylin Walker, Kent: The 6’1 guard is averaging 17.6 points on the season.

Adonis De La Rosa, Kent: The 7 footer from the Bronx is averaging 11.3 points and 7 rebounds per contest.

Prediction

Both teams came into the season searching for an identity, and faced relatively tough schedules. Both teams have had their ups and downs and rely on their undersized but speedy point guards. I think Kent will keep it close early, and possibly be in the lead from time to time. In the end, however, I think German will lead one too many runs and help the Huskies close out a close victory late.