The No. 8 West Virginia Mountaineers start their Big 12 play Friday night at WVU Coliseum in Morgantown, West Virginia, when they welcome the Iowa State Cyclones, so I bring you the best betting pick and tips for this conference showdown, as the college basketball betting action goes on.
The Mountaineers are considered one of the best teams in the country this season. They will look for their fourth straight victory over Iowa State, and the Mountaineers already beat the Cyclones twice in 2020.
Can Iowa State snap its skid and upset the odds in Morgantown?
The Iowa State Cyclones are riding a three-game losing streak following a disappointing 74-65 home loss to the Kansas State Wildcats 74-65. They dropped to 1-3 on the season, and the Cyclones are 0-4 against the spread.
The Cyclones are No. 89 in the latest KenPom rankings. They tally 106.6 points per 100 possessions (65th in the country), but the Cyclones allow 98.1 in a return (125th). Iowa State is 1-3 on the season and 0-1 in the conference play.
Junior guard Rasir Bolton leads the way for the Cyclones this term, averaging 15.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 6.0 assists per game. Senior guard Jalen Coleman-Lands adds 13.5 points and 3.8 rebounds a night, while junior wing Javan Johnson tallies 11.3 points and 3.8 boards per game.
West Virginia aims for its fourth straight victory
The West Virginia Mountaineers are 6-1 on the season following an 87-71 home win over the No. 19 Richmond Spiders. They covered a 7.5-point spread, improving to 4-3 against the spread this term, and the Mountaineers are now undefeated in three straight outings.
The Mountaineers are No. 8 in the AP Top 25 Poll and No. 5 in the latest KenPom rankings. They score 111.1 points per 100 possessions (13th in the nation) and surrender only 87.5 in a return (9th). Last season, the Mountaineers had the third-best defensive rating in the country, allowing just 87.1 points per 100 possessions.
Four West Virginia players average points in double figures this season including sophomore guard Miles McBride whoโs posting 14.6 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 4.6 assists a night. Junior forward Derek Culver is enjoying a wonderful season, tallying 13.9 points, 10.7 boards, and 1.4 blocks per contest.
[metabet_core_odds_compare query=”ncaab/west_virginia” size=”300×250″ site_id=”atsio” css=”float:right; margin-left:10px”]Trends:
Iowa State:
- 4-12-1 ATS in the last 17 games overall
- 0-7 ATS in the last seven road contests
West Virginia:
- 4-2 ATS in the last six games overall
- 10-4 ATS in the last 14 games at home
The Winner Prediction
The Cyclones have dropped 14 straight road games while covering only twice in the process which is a horrible record. Now, they are taking on one of the sharpest teams in the country, so the Cyclones opened as 15-point road underdogs on BetAmerica Sportsbook.
I would buy a few points and take the hosts to cover. The Mountaineers have been playing very well thus far. Their lone loss has come against the No. 1 Gonzaga Bulldogs, 87-82, while I expect the Mountaineers to shut down the Cyclones and prove they are a top-notch defensive team.
West Virginia won three straight games against Iowa State and is 2-0-1 ATS in the process.
Pick: Take West Virginia -12.0 at -180
The Total:
Interestingly, the over has hit in nine of the last ten encounters between Iowa State and West Virginia. Also, the over is 5-2 in the Cyclonesโ last seven games overall, but the under has hit in seven of the Mountaineersโ previous nine outings on the home court.
Iโve mentioned how good the Mountaineers are on the defensive end, so betting on the under seems like a logical move. West Virginia limited its opponents below 65 points in 12 of its previous 14 showings at home.
Pick: Go under 146.5 points at -110