Giovanni Santiago is a holdover from last year’s Kent State team that I was positive could make a run to the Final Four. Well that didn’t happen, but the Flashes are home Thursday and small favorites over a James Madison team coming off an upset at Michigan St. This is a clear letdown spot.

This is a huge letdown spot for the Dukes coming off of their season opening upset over #4 Michigan State. Now they have to visit a very strong Golden Flashes team. The Golden Flashes lost their two leading scorers from last season but they did get transfer Reggie Bass to help they stay a tournament team. They were fantastic at home last season going 8-4-1 ATS at home and that should continue. Expect the Dukes to come back down to Earth. Take the Golden Flashes.

Can't say I was aware there was something called the MAC-SBC Challenge. James Madison is a very good team as evidenced by its shocking upset of Michigan State in the opener (Sparty seems to always do that early), but that was probably the best thing for Kent State coach Rob Senderoff in terms of motivating his guys. The Flashes have won 23 straight at home. Sure seems like a letdown spot for visitors.