The No. 9 Kansas Jayhawks (26-7, 15-5 Big 12) go head-to-head against the No. 18 West Virginia Mountaineers (24-9, 13-7 Big 12) in the Big 12 Conference Tourney at Sprint Center. The game can be seen on ESPN at 6 p.m. ET on Saturday, March 10, 2018.
West Virginia Mountaineers vs. Kansas Jayhawks Betting Prediction
The last time the Mountaineers played, they defeated the No. 14 Texas Tech Red Raiders, 66-63. West Virginia’s turnover percentage was their largest strength over Texas Tech. The Mountaineers had a rate of 12.4 (better than their season average of 13.5), while the Red Raiders posted a mark of 14.2. With 22 points on 6-for-13 shooting, Daxter Miles Jr. was the top scorer from either team.
The Jayhawks beat the Kansas State Wildcats in their last game, 83-67. The Jayhawks held the Wildcats to an offensive rebounding percentage of 15.2 (below their season average of 26.6). The Wildcats had a free throw rate of 0.150 (below their season average of 0.252). Malik Newman led Kansas in scoring with 22 points on 8-for-14 shooting.
The game should be a matchup of strength against strength as the productive offense of Kansas takes on the top-notch defense of West Virginia. The Jayhawks rank 16th in offensive efficiency, while the Mountaineers are 41st in defensive efficiency. Additionally, the Mountaineers could control the offensive glass in this showdown as they rank fourth in the nation in offensive rebounding percentage at 36.4 percent. The Jayhawks, meanwhile, rank 293rd at grabbing defensive rebounds with a defensive rebounding percentage of 68.7 percent.
The Jayhawks have won both matchups against the Mountaineers this season, including an eight-point victory in their last matchup. Kansas did a terrific job of getting to and converting from the charity stripe (26-35; 74.3 percent). West Virginia, meanwhile, had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (37.1 vs. 28.6). Devonte’ Graham was a standout player in the game, putting up 15 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists.
West Virginia Mountaineers vs. Kansas Jayhawks Betting Pick
Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Kansas, ATS Winner – Kansas, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
West Virginia averages 24.9 three-pointers per game, which ranks 52nd in the NCAA. Kansas ranks 243rd in three-pointers allowed per game (23.7).
The Jayhawks rank 50th in blocks per game (4.3) while the Mountaineers rank 183rd in blocks allowed per game (4.0).
West Virginia averages 37.9 rebounds per game, which ranks 60th in the NCAA. Kansas ranks 157th in rebounds allowed per game (35.1).
The Mountaineers rank 12th in steals per game (8.1) while the Jayhawks rank 95th (6.6).
Kansas averages 17.0 assists per game, which ranks 13th in the NCAA. West Virginia ranks 73rd in assists allowed per game (12.1).
Bettings Trends:
The Mountaineers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 6.6, down from 11.3 for the season.
During their last five games, the Jayhawks have scored an average of 76.6 points per game (4.9 below their season average) and allowed an average of 71.8 points per game (0.8 above their season average).
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