The Kansas State Wildcats (10-4, 0-2 Big 12) put their six-game winning streak on the line when they square off against the West Virginia Mountaineers (8-6, 0-2 Big 12) at Fred Bramlage Coliseum. The game will air on ESPNU at 7 p.m. ET on Wednesday, January 9, 2019.
West Virginia Mountaineers at Kansas State Wildcats ATS Prediction
The Mountaineers are hoping for a better outcome after their 99-94 loss to the Buffalo Bulls in their last game. Buffalo’s 10.5 turnover percentage was their largest advantage over West Virginia, who had a rate of 18.9. Lamont West was West Virginia’s leading scorer with 22 points on 6-for-16 shooting.
In the Wildcats’ last game, they beat the Kennesaw State Owls, 56-41. The Wildcats had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (41.2 vs. 24.3) and had a better free throw rate (0.083 vs. 0.058). Barry Brown Jr. was the game’s leading scorer with 15 points on 7-for-15 shooting from the field.
After the Mountaineers won both contests against the Wildcats last season, these teams will meet for the first time this year. In the last matchup, West Virginia won 89-51. The Mountaineers had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.647 vs. 0.394) and had a much better free throw rate (0.451 vs. 0.298).
Both teams have had a player step their game up over their last five games. Esa Ahmad (0 points) has been stellar for the Mountaineers while Dean Wade (0 points) has contributed greatly to the Wildcats.
When looking at effective field goal percentage, Kansas State figures to have a considerable edge. The Wildcats defense ranks 54th in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.464), while the West Virginia offense is ranked 251st in effective field goal percentage (0.494). Furthermore, the Mountaineers rank 320th in turnover percentage (22.2 percent), while the Wildcats rank 47th in opponents’ turnover percentage (22.7 percent).
West Virginia vs. Kansas State ATS Pick
College Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – Kansas State, ATS Winner – West Virginia, O/U – Over
Click Here to Start Betting Today!
Notes
Betting Notes:
West Virginia ranks 73rd in three pointers attempted per game (25.0) while Kansas State ranks 233rd (19.4).
The Mountaineers rank 33rd in blocks per game (4.7) while the Wildcats rank 160th (2.1).
West Virginia ranks 15th in rebounds per game (41.6) while Kansas State ranks 130th (36.4).
The Wildcats rank 71st in steals per game (7.3) while the Mountaineers rank 165th in steals allowed per game (8.4).
Kansas State ranks 42nd in assists allowed per game (11.1) while West Virginia ranks 83rd (12.2).
Bettings Trends:
The Mountaineers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 5.2, up from 4.5 for the season.
During their last five games, the Wildcats have scored an average of 72.2 points per game (7.0 above their season average) and allowed an average of 56.0 points per game (2.9 below their season average).
+++++
