The Texas Longhorns (9-4, 1-0 Big 12) will try to lengthen their five-game winning streak against the West Virginia Mountaineers (8-5, 0-1 Big 12) at Frank Erwin Special Events Center. The game starts at 9 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 5, 2019, and will air on ESPN2.
West Virginia Mountaineers vs. Texas Longhorns Betting Prediction
In the Mountaineers’ last contest, they were beaten by the Buffalo Bulls, 99-94. Buffalo’s 10.5 turnover percentage was their biggest advantage over West Virginia, who had a mark of 18.9. Lamont West led West Virginia in scoring with 22 points on 6-for-16 shooting.
The Longhorns beat the Eastern Illinois Panthers in their last game, 71-59. Texas’ 0.577 effective field goal percentage was their largest strength over Eastern Illinois, who had a rate of 0.411. Matt Coleman III was the top scorer from either team with 13 points on 5-for-9 shooting from the field.
From an effective field goal percentage perspective, Texas figures to have a considerable advantage. The Longhorns defense ranks 40th in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.456), while the West Virginia offense is ranked 243rd in effective field goal percentage (0.497). Also, the Mountaineers are among the NCAA’s elite at getting to the line, ranking 22nd in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.309). The Longhorns, meanwhile, rank 56th in opponents’ FTA rate (0.189).
Esa Ahmad has averaged 0 points over the last five games for West Virginia.
After splitting two games last season, these teams will clash for the first time this year. In the last contest, the Longhorns won 87-79. One of Texas’ largest advantages was getting to the free throw line. They had 28 free throw attempts, while West Virginia had just 11.
West Virginia Mountaineers vs. Texas Longhorns Pick
Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Texas, ATS Winner – West Virginia, O/U – Over
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Texas ranks 12th in steals allowed per game (4.7) while West Virginia ranks 177th (8.7).
The Mountaineers average 42.6 rebounds per game, which ranks 10th in the country. The Longhorns rank 164th in rebounds allowed per game (36.2).
Texas ranks eighth in assists allowed per game (9.6) while West Virginia ranks 100th (12.6).
The Mountaineers rank 64th in three pointers attempted per game (25.4) while the Longhorns rank 141st in three pointers allowed per game (23.1).
Texas ranks 35th in blocks per game (4.7) while West Virginia ranks 102nd in blocks allowed per game (3.5).
Bettings Trends:
The Mountaineers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 5.2, down from 5.4 for the season.
During their last five games, the Longhorns have scored an average of 79.6 points per game (6.1 above their season average) and allowed an average of 68.6 points per game (4.1 above their season average).
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