The seventh-ranked Texas Tech Red Raiders (26-5, 14-4 Big 12) will be in the Big 12 Conference Tourney at Sprint Center when they go head-to-head against the West Virginia Mountaineers (13-19, 5-14 Big 12). The game will air on ESPN2 at 7 p.m. ET on Thursday, March 14, 2019.
West Virginia Mountaineers vs. Texas Tech Red Raiders ATS Odds
Both teams were victorious in their last game. The Red Raiders beat the Iowa State Cyclones 80-73, while the Mountaineers edged the Oklahoma Sooners 72-71.
The Mountaineers held the Sooners to an offensive rebounding percentage of 14.3 (below their season average of 26.6) and had a turnover percentage of 10.5 (better than their season average of 18.7). The Red Raiders, on the other hand, had a turnover percentage of 11.3 (better than their season average of 16.4) and held the Cyclones to an offensive rebounding percentage of 22.9 (below their season average of 28.8). Texas Tech received a boost from Jarrett Culver, who contributed 31 points. Meanwhile, Jermaine Haley was a key piece for West Virginia with 14 points and 12 rebounds.
The Mountaineers’ Jermaine Haley has been playing well over his last five games, averaging 20 points,7.0 rebounds,4.0 assists,1.6 steals per game. Meanwhile, Davide Moretti has averaged 15 points,3.4 assists during that same time frame for the Red Raiders.
From an effective field goal percentage perspective, Texas Tech should have a considerable advantage. The Red Raiders defense ranks first in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.428), while the West Virginia offense is ranked 309th in effective field goal percentage (0.476). It could also be a sloppy game for the offense of the Mountaineers, which ranks 327th in ball protection (turnover percentage of 22.2 percent). They’ll be going up against the top-notch defense of the Red Raiders, which forces the 16th-most turnovers in the nation (23.2 percent).
West Virginia Mountaineers vs. Texas Tech Red Raiders ATS Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Texas Tech, ATS Winner – Texas Tech, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- West Virginia ranks 19th in rebounds per game (39.4) while Texas Tech ranks 192nd (34.4).
- The Mountaineers rank 105th in three pointers attempted per game (23.7) while the Red Raiders rank 253rd (19.8).
- Texas Tech ranks 15th in blocks per game (4.9) while West Virginia ranks 145th in blocks allowed per game (3.6).
- The Red Raiders rank third in assists allowed per game (9.3) while the Mountaineers rank 171st (13.4).
- Texas Tech averages 7.2 steals per game, which ranks 66th in the NCAA. West Virginia ranks 224th in steals allowed per game (8.3).
Bettings Trends:
- The Mountaineers have outscored opponents by an average of 0.8 points in their last five games. For the season, West Virginia has lost by an average of 3.7 points.
- During their last five games, the Red Raiders have scored an average of 81.2 points per game (8.1 above their season average) and allowed an average of 66.4 points per game (7.8 above their season average).
