It will be a showdown between two tremendous defenses when the Texas Tech Red Raiders (12-7, 3-3 Big 12) take on the 12th-ranked West Virginia Mountaineers (16-3, 4-2 Big 12) at United Supermarkets Arena. The game gets underway at 8 p.m. ET on Wednesday, January 29, 2020.
West Virginia Mountaineers at Texas Tech Red Raiders ATS Odds
In their last game, the Red Raiders lost a close one to the 15th-ranked Kentucky Wildcats, 76-74, while the Mountaineers won big over the Missouri Tigers, 74-51.
West Virginia dominated nearly every facet of the game. They had an absurd offensive rebounding percentage of 51.2 (above their season average of 39.9) and a turnover percentage of 12.5 (better than their season average of 17.7). For those same stats, Missouri was 25.6 and 20.8, respectively. Texas Tech, on the other hand, forced Kentucky into a turnover percentage of 23.3 (above their season average of 16.0). Kyler Edwards was a key piece for Texas Tech with 18 points and seven rebounds. Meanwhile, Jermaine Haley had a solid performance for West Virginia, finishing with 15 points and nine rebounds.
In their first matchup this year, Oscar Tshiebwe led the Mountaineers to a 66-54 win. He recorded seven points and 17 rebounds. One of West Virginia’s largest advantages was getting to the charity stripe. They made 35 trips to the line, while Texas Tech went just seven times.
Baskets could be hard to come by in this matchup between a pair of the NCAA’s premier defenses. Texas Tech currently ranks 20th in defensive efficiency (89.0) and West Virginia is third (85.4). Additionally, the Mountaineers rank 294th in turnover percentage (21.1 percent), while the Red Raiders rank 17th in opponents’ turnover percentage (24.8 percent).
West Virginia Mountaineers vs. Texas Tech Red Raiders Free Pick
College Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – West Virginia, ATS Winner – West Virginia, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- West Virginia ranks fourth in rebounds per game (42.3) while Texas Tech ranks 164th (35.4).
- The Red Raiders rank 184th in three pointers attempted per game (20.8) while the Mountaineers rank 252nd (17.8).
- West Virginia and Texas Tech rank 43rd in blocks allows per game (2.7).
- The Red Raiders average 7.8 steals per game, which ranks 57th in the NCAA. The Mountaineers rank 180th in steals allowed per game (7.6).
- Texas Tech ranks 18th in assists per game (16.3) while West Virginia ranks 138th (13.1).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Red Raiders have scored an average of 66.2 points per game (6.5 below their season average) and allowed an average of 64.4 points per game (1.9 above their season average).
- The Mountaineers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 17.8, up from 13.2 for the season.
