The Baylor Bears (17-9, 8-5 Big 12) welcome the West Virginia Mountaineers (10-16, 2-11 Big 12) to Ferrell Center. The Mountaineers can end an eight-game road losing streak. Action begins at 2 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 23, 2019, and can be seen on ESPNU.
West Virginia Mountaineers vs. Baylor Bears Betting Odds
In their last contest, the Bears beat the 19th-ranked Iowa State Cyclones, 73-69, while the Mountaineers lost to the 23rd-ranked Kansas State Wildcats, 65-51.
The Bears, who came into the game averaging an offensive rebounding percentage of 38.8, had a ridiculous mark of 47.4 and held the Cyclones to an effective field goal percentage of 0.500 (below their season average of 0.557). West Virginia, meanwhile, had a better free throw rate (0.192 vs. 0.148). Freddie Gillespie had a good outing for Baylor, contributing 14 points and 10 rebounds. Meanwhile, Derek Culver was a key piece for West Virginia with 11 points and 13 rebounds.
In their first matchup this year, Makai Mason led the Bears to an 85-73 victory. He scored a game-high 29 points. Baylor had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.569 vs. 0.419). West Virginia, on the other hand, had a much better turnover percentage (14.5 vs. 20.1).
The Mountaineers’ Culver has been playing well over his last five games, averaging 12 points,10.6 rebounds per game. Meanwhile, Jared Butler has averaged 12 points,3.2 assists during that same time frame for the Bears.
When looking at effective field goal percentage, Baylor should have a substantial edge. The Bears defense ranks 57th in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.477), while the West Virginia offense is ranked 326th in effective field goal percentage (0.468). Moreover, the Mountaineers, who rank 10th in offensive rebounding percentage (36.9 percent), will go head-to-head against the Bears, who rank 257th in defensive rebounding percentage (70.2 percent).
West Virginia vs. Baylor Odds Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Baylor, ATS Winner – Baylor, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Baylor ranks 23rd in rebounds allowed per game (31.3) while West Virginia ranks 137th (34.6).
- The Bears rank 105th in assists per game (14.1) while the Mountaineers rank 150th in assists allowed per game (13.3).
- The Bears rank 112th in steals per game (6.4) while the Mountaineers rank 211th in steals allowed per game (8.5).
- Baylor averages 5.0 blocks per game, which ranks 14th in the country. West Virginia ranks 103rd in blocks allowed per game (3.3).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Mountaineers have scored an average of 57.2 points per game (13.4 below their season average) and allowed an average of 74.0 points per game (1.0 below their season average).
- The Bears have been outscored by an average of 6.8 points in their last five games. On the season, Baylor has defeated opponents by an average of 6.5 points.
