The country’s top shooting defense will be on the road at WVU Coliseum, when the 11th-ranked Texas Tech Red Raiders (11-1) go head-to-head with the West Virginia Mountaineers (8-4). Action begins at 7 p.m. ET on Wednesday, January 2, 2019, and can be seen on ESPNU.
Texas Tech Red Raiders at West Virginia Mountaineers Betting Odds
In their last outing, the Mountaineers lost to the Buffalo Bulls, 99-94, while the Red Raiders dismantled the UIW Cardinals, 87-37.
Texas Tech played a nearly flawless game. They had an effective field goal percentage of 0.675 and a turnover percentage of 18.2. For those same stats, UIW was 0.286 and 34.6, respectively. West Virginia, meanwhile, did a fantastic job of getting to and converting from the free throw line (25-35; 71.4 percent). West Virginia’s Lamont West led the way, putting up 22 points and nine rebounds. Meanwhile, Jarrett Culver fueled Texas Tech with 16 points.
The Mountaineers edged out the Red Raiders in this series last year, securing victories in two out of three games. In the last game, West Virginia won 66-63. The Mountaineers’ turnover percentage was their biggest advantage over the Red Raiders. West Virginia had a rate of 12.4, while Texas Tech posted a mark of 14.2. This is the first time these teams will battle this year.
The Red Raiders’ Culver has been playing well over his last five games, averaging 0 points per game. Meanwhile, Esa Ahmad has averaged 0 points during that same time frame for the Mountaineers.
It could be an error-filled game for the West Virginia offense. West Virginia ranks 300th in the nation in ball protection (turnover percentage of 21.4 percent), while the disruptive defense of Texas Tech forces the eighth-most turnovers in the NCAA (25.2 percent).
Texas Tech vs. West Virginia Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Texas Tech, ATS Winner – Texas Tech, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- West Virginia ranks 52nd in three pointers attempted per game (25.9) while Texas Tech ranks 253rd (17.2).
- The Red Raiders rank second in assists allowed per game (8.2) while the Mountaineers rank 114th (13.3).
- Texas Tech averages 4.9 blocks per game, which is ranked 25th in the country. West Virginia ranks 102nd in blocks allowed per game (3.5).
- The Red Raiders rank 12th in rebounds allowed per game (29.9) while the Mountaineers rank 138th (35.7).
- Texas Tech averages 7.4 steals per game, which ranks 63rd in the nation. West Virginia ranks 182nd in steals allowed per game (8.4).
Bettings Trends:
- The Mountaineers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 5.2, down from 6.1 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Red Raiders have scored an average of 75.6 points per game (0.3 above their season average) and allowed an average of 48.8 points per game (3.5 below their season average).
