The No. 14 Texas Tech Red Raiders (24-8, 12-7 Big 12) take on the No. 18 West Virginia Mountaineers (23-9, 12-7 Big 12) in the Big 12 Conference Tourney at Sprint Center. The game starts at 9 p.m. ET on Friday, March 9, 2018, and will air on ESPN2.
West Virginia opened as a 2-point favorite at BetDSI Sportsbook, while the Over/Under (O/U) for the game has been set at 139 points.
West Virginia Mountaineers vs. Texas Tech Red Raiders Betting Prediction
The Mountaineers come in on a high note after defeating the Baylor Bears in their last game, 78-65. The Mountaineers held the Bears to an offensive rebounding percentage of 21.2 (below their season average of 35.9). The Bears also had a turnover percentage of 26.8 (above their season average of 16.4). West Virginia was led by Jevon Carter, who contributed 18 points, 11 assists and six steals.
In the Red Raiders’ last matchup, they beat the Texas Longhorns, 73-69. The Red Raiders had an absurd offensive rebounding percentage of 41.9 (above their season average of 33.3) and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.555 (above their season average of 0.526). With 13 points and 11 rebounds, Jarrett Culver had a good performance for Texas Tech.
This contest figures to be low-scoring as a pair of the NCAA’s top defenses battle. Texas Tech currently ranks ninth in defensive efficiency (94.3) and West Virginia is 40th (98.3). Moreover, the Mountaineers rank 36th in turnover percentage (16.2 percent), while the Red Raiders rank 22nd in opponents’ turnover percentage (22.4 percent).
West Virginia holds records of 23-9 straight up (SU) and 14-14 against the spread (ATS). Mountaineers games have no tendency in regards to the O/U total, as there has been an even split between games finishing over and under.
Meanwhile, Texas Tech owns records of 24-8 SU and 13-14-1 ATS. Red Raiders games also have no tendency in regards to the O/U total, as there has been an even split between games finishing over and under.
Esa Ahmad has averaged 11.2 points and 6.8 rebounds over the last five games for West Virginia.
The two teams have split their two matchups this season. The Mountaineers won the most recent matchup 84-74, covering as 8-point favorites. The game finished with a total of 158 points, which was 16.5 points above the projected point total of 141.5 points. West Virginia had a much better turnover percentage (6.6 vs. 16.5). Texas Tech, on the other hand, had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (45.7 vs. 35.1). In the loss, Culver had a double-double with 26 points and 12 rebounds.
West Virginia Mountaineers vs. Texas Tech Red Raiders Betting Pick
Basketball Tip: SU Winner – West Virginia, ATS Winner – Texas Tech, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
West Virginia ranks 50th in three pointers attempted per game (25.1) while Texas Tech ranks 231st (19.3).
The Mountaineers average 5.2 blocks per game, which ranks 15th in the nation. The Red Raiders rank 127th in blocks allowed per game (3.5).
Texas Tech ranks 30th in rebounds allowed per game (31.8) while West Virginia ranks 136th (34.6).
The Mountaineers rank 10th in steals per game (8.2) while the Red Raiders rank 99th in steals allowed per game (6.0).
Texas Tech ranks 12th in assists allowed per game (10.3) while West Virginia ranks 70th (12.0).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, West Virginia is 3-2 ATS with 4 overs and 1 under.
Texas Tech is 0-4-1 ATS with 5 overs over their last five games.
The Mountaineers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 8.2, down from 11.5 for the season.
During their last five games, the Red Raiders have scored an average of 73.8 points per game (1.8 below their season average) and allowed an average of 76.2 points per game (11.5 above their season average).
