The West Virginia Mountaineers (7-1) look to lengthen their six-game home winning streak in a matchup against the Austin Peay Governors (4-4) at WVU Coliseum. The game begins at 7 p.m. ET on Thursday, December 12, 2019.
Austin Peay Governors at West Virginia Mountaineers Free Prediction
In the Governors’ last outing, they beat the North Florida Ospreys, 90-83. The Governors had a solid turnover percentage of 8.8 (better than their season average of 17.5) and held the Ospreys to an offensive rebounding percentage of 25.0 (below their season average of 32.4). With 20 points on 8-for-12 shooting, Terry Taylor was the game’s leading scorer.
The Mountaineers lost a close one to the St. John’s Red Storm in their last contest, 70-68. St. John’s was effective at getting and making free throws. The Red Storm made 22 of their 27 free throws (81.5 percent), while the Mountaineers were just 5-12 (41.7 percent). West Virginia’s Derek Culver had 12 points and 18 rebounds in the contest.
It could be a sloppy game for the West Virginia offense. Dating back to last season, West Virginia ranks 290th in the country in ball protection (turnover percentage of 21.2 percent), while the disruptive defense of Austin Peay has forced the 77th-most turnovers in the NCAA (22.0 percent). Moreover, the Governors rank 15th in offensive efficiency (114.5), while the Mountaineers rank 277th in defensive efficiency (104.4).
Austin Peay at West Virginia ATS Pick
Basketball Tip: ATS Winner – West Virginia, O/U – Over
Betting Trends
Austin Peay ranks 59th in steals per game (7.6) while West Virginia ranks 197th in steals allowed per game (8.1).
The Mountaineers average 40.1 rebounds per game, which ranks 23rd in the country. The Governors rank 112th in rebounds allowed per game (34.3).
West Virginia averages 13.5 assists per game, which ranks 114th in the nation. Austin Peay ranks 169th in assists allowed per game (13.7).
The Governors rank 96th in blocks per game (3.5) while the Mountaineers rank 123rd in blocks allowed per game (3.5).
