The Pittsburgh Panthers (5-4) look to put an end to the eight-game winning streak of West Virginia when they welcome the No. 18 Mountaineers (8-1) to Petersen Events Center. The games Over/Under (O/U) opened at 149.5 points with West Virginia set as a 13.5-point favorite. Tip-off is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 9, 2017, and it can be seen on ESPN2.
West Virginia Mountaineers vs. Pittsburgh Panthers ATS Preview
In the Mountaineers last contest, they beat the No. 15 Virginia Cavaliers, 68-61. Jevon Carter was the top scorer from either team with 23 points on 6-for-12 shooting. West Virginia dominated every stat category in the game. They had a turnover percentage of 14.7 (worse than their season average of 12.5) and an offensive rebounding percentage of 25.0 (below their season average of 38.5). For those same stats, Virginia was 20.5 and 19.4, respectively.
The Panthers will look to maintain momentum after topping the Mount St. Mary’s Mountaineers in their last game, 82-78. Pittsburgh’s Shamiel Stevenson was a key piece with 14 points and nine rebounds. The Panthers had a fantastic free throw rate of 0.418 (above their season average of 0.257) and had an offensive rebounding percentage of 40.6 (above their season average of 22.3).
The physical Pittsburgh offense seems poised to dominate from the foul line. Dating back to last season, the Panthers rank 52nd in the nation with a free throw attempt (FTA) rate of 0.286, while West Virginia has been among the NCAA’s most foul-prone squads (giving up a 293rd-ranked FTA rate of 0.289). Furthermore, the Mountaineers rank 15th in offensive efficiency (114.4), while the Panthers rank 299th in defensive efficiency (109.1).
Of West Virginia’s 6 games that accepted bets, three have finished over the O/U total, while 5 of Pittsburgh’s 6 games have finished under the O/U total. The Mountaineers have the substantial advantage straight up (SU) (8-1 vs. 5-4), but both teams have the same against the spread (ATS) record (3-3).
West Virginia Mountaineers at Pittsburgh Panthers Prediction
Predictions: SU Winner – West Virginia, ATS Winner – West Virginia, O/U – Under
Betting Notes (2016-Present):
- The Mountaineers rank 19th in rebounds per game (38.0) while the Panthers rank 217th (34.9).
- West Virginia ranks 11th in blocks per game (5.0) while Pittsburgh ranks 148th (3.4).
- West Virginia ranks second in steals per game (10.2) while Pittsburgh ranks 284th (4.0).
- The Mountaineers rank 29th in assists per game (16.4) while the Panthers rank 253rd in assists allowed per game (15.0).
- West Virginia ranks 10th in three pointers attempted per game (22.1) while Pittsburgh ranks 211th in three pointers allowed per game (22.5).
