It will be a matchup between two exceptional defenses when the 12th-ranked West Virginia Mountaineers (14-3, 3-2 Big 12) go head-to-head with the Texas Longhorns (12-5, 2-3 Big 12) at WVU Coliseum. The game will air on ESPNU at 7 p.m. ET on Monday, January 20, 2020.
Texas Longhorns at West Virginia Mountaineers ATS Odds
Both teams fell in their last contest. The Mountaineers fell to the Kansas State Wildcats, 84-68, while the Longhorns were defeated by the sixth-ranked Kansas Jayhawks, 66-57.
Texas held Kansas to an effective field goal percentage of 0.491 (below their season average of 0.560) while West Virginia had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (40.0 vs. 31.8). West Virginia’s Gabe Osabuohien had a solid performance, putting up 10 points and five rebounds. Jericho Sims fueled Texas with 20 points and six rebounds.
The Longhorns dominated this series last year, winning both games. In the most recent contest, Texas won 75-53. The Longhorns’ 10.3 turnover percentage was their largest advantage over the Mountaineers, who had a rate of 15.5. This is the first time these teams will meet this year.
Points could be at a premium in this contest between a pair of the country’s premier defenses. West Virginia currently ranks sixth in defensive efficiency (86.0) and Texas is 56th (92.7).
Texas vs. West Virginia Betting Pick
Free College Basketball Pick: SU Winner – West Virginia, ATS Winner – West Virginia, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- West Virginia ranks 12th in rebounds per game (41.2) while Texas ranks 225th (33.7).
- The Mountaineers average 7.8 steals per game, which ranks 61st in the nation. The Longhorns rank 85th in steals allowed per game (6.2).
- West Virginia is seventh in the nation with 9.2 assists allowed per game while Texas is 11th with 9.4 assists allowed per game.
- The Longhorns rank 59th in three pointers attempted per game (25.4) while the Mountaineers rank 257th (18.2).
- Both of these teams are exceptional at blocking the ball. Texas is 32nd in the NCAA with 4.7 blocks per game while West Virginia is 59th with 4.1 blocks per game.
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Longhorns have scored an average of 60.6 points per game (5.9 below their season average) and allowed an average of 62.2 points per game (1.0 above their season average).
- The Mountaineers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 7.0, down from 11.1 for the season.
