A six-game home winning streak hangs in the balance for the Youngstown State Penguins (7-5) when they welcome the 25th-ranked West Virginia Mountaineers (9-1) to Covelli Centre. The game gets underway at 1 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 21, 2019.
West Virginia Mountaineers vs. Youngstown State Penguins Betting Odds
Both teams had no trouble getting past their last opponent. The Penguins defeated the Binghamton Bearcats 73-55, while the Mountaineers beat the Nicholls Colonels 83-57.
West Virginia played a perfect game. They had an absurd free throw rate of 0.377 (above their season average of 0.262) and an offensive rebounding percentage of 51.4 (above their season average of 38.5). For those same stats, Nicholls was 0.148 and 26.5, respectively. Youngstown State, on the other hand, dominated nearly every stat category in their game. They had an absurd offensive rebounding percentage of 37.2 (above their season average of 33.0) and a turnover percentage of 9.6 (better than their season average of 14.4). Binghamton put up marks of 13.2 and 15.2, respectively, for those same stats. Youngstown State’s Naz Bohannon had a good game, recording 19 points, seven rebounds and five assists. Derek Culver, meanwhile fueled West Virginia with 16 points and 16 rebounds.
The Mountaineers won the only contest between these two teams last year, 106-72. The Mountaineers’ turnover percentage was their largest advantage over the Penguins. West Virginia had a rate of 9.7, while Youngstown State posted a mark of 16.5. This will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams.
The offense of Youngstown State will clash against the stingy defense of West Virginia. The Penguins currently rank 180th in offensive efficiency, while the Mountaineers are 18th in defensive efficiency. The Mountaineers should have the advantage on that end of the court.
West Virginia at Youngstown State Betting Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Youngstown State, ATS Winner – Youngstown State, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- West Virginia averages 43.2 rebounds per game, which ranks fifth in the country. Youngstown State ranks 162nd in rebounds allowed per game (36.1).
- The Mountaineers rank fourth in assists allowed per game (8.4) while the Penguins rank 89th (12.1).
- West Virginia ranks 36th in blocks per game (4.7) while Youngstown State ranks 112th (2.9).
- The Penguins rank 14th in steals allowed per game (4.8) while the Mountaineers rank 141st (7.4).
- Youngstown State ranks 111th in three pointers attempted per game (23.0) while West Virginia ranks 237th (17.6).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Mountaineers have scored an average of 79.2 points per game (3.6 above their season average) and allowed an average of 64.8 points per game (2.7 above their season average).
- The Penguins’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 5.2, up from 4.5 for the season.
