It will be a battle between Big 12 opponents when the West Virginia Mountaineers (9-9, 1-5 Big 12) welcome the Baylor Bears (11-6, 3-2 Big 12) to WVU Coliseum. The game starts at 9 p.m. ET on Monday, January 21, 2019, and will air on ESPNU.
Baylor Bears vs. West Virginia Mountaineers ATS Prediction
The Bears come in on a high note after defeating the No. 8 Texas Tech Red Raiders in their last game, 73-62. Baylor’s turnover percentage was their largest advantage over Texas Tech. The Bears had a rate of 16.7 (better than their season average of 17.2), while the Red Raiders posted a mark of 24.2 (above their season average of 16.7). With 19 points on 7-for-15 shooting, Jared Butler was the top scorer from either team.
The last time the Mountaineers played, they won a close one over the No. 7 Kansas Jayhawks, 65-64. West Virginia’s turnover percentage was their largest advantage over Kansas. The Mountaineers had a rate of 17.8 (better than their season average of 18.0), while the Jayhawks posted a mark of 22.9 (above their season average of 15.9). With 11 points and seven rebounds, West Virginia’s Derek Culver put together a good game.
After the Mountaineers won all three meetings against the Bears last season, these teams will go head-to-head for the first time this year. In the most recent game, West Virginia won 78-65. The Mountaineers had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (31.4 vs. 21.2) and had a much better turnover percentage (19.1 vs. 26.8).
West Virginia might struggle to find the bottom of the net as they face off against one of the nation’s best defenses. Baylor ranks 53rd in defensive efficiency while the Mountaineers rank 173rd in offensive efficiency.
Baylor Bears at West Virginia Mountaineers Free Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Baylor, ATS Winner – West Virginia, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Baylor averages 7.1 steals per game, which ranks 77th in the country. West Virginia ranks 184th in steals allowed per game (8.2).
The Bears average 5.4 blocks per game, which ranks 14th in the nation. The Mountaineers rank 107th in blocks allowed per game (3.6).
Baylor ranks 33rd in rebounds allowed per game (31.5) while West Virginia ranks 117th (34.4).
Bettings Trends:
The Bears’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 1.8, down from 7.6 for the season.
During their last five games, the Mountaineers have scored an average of 66.4 points per game (8.2 below their season average) and allowed an average of 75.8 points per game (2.5 above their season average).
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