Tuesdayโs college basketball betting action is full of interesting games, so I bring you the best betting pick and tips for the marquee matchup between the No. 7 West Virginia Mountaineers and No. 3 Kansas Jayhawks.
These two Big 12 foes meet each other for the third time this calendar year, while the Jayhawks are undefeated in four straight encounters with the Mountaineers. They opened as slight home favorites for Tuesdayโs clash, but excitements are guaranteed at Allen Fieldhouse in Lawrence, Kansas.
The Mountaineers look to avoid their ninth straight loss in Lawrence
The West Virginia Mountaineers are 7-1 on the season and 1-0 in the conference play following a 70-65 victory over the Iowa State Cyclones. It was their fourth straight win, but the Mountaineers failed to cover for the third time in their last four showings.
West Virginia is No. 7 in the AP Top 25 Poll, while the Mountaineers sit at the seventh spot of the latest KenPom rankings. They score 111.0 points per 100 possessions (19th in the country) on 42.0% shooting from the field (244th) while surrendering 88.0 points to their opponents (9th) on 42.1% shooting (167th).
Junior forward Derek Culver is the Mountaineersโ key player this term. Heโs tallying 14.4 points and 10.9 rebounds per game while making 47.8% of his field goals. Sophomore Miles McBride is posting 15.0 points and 4.3 assists per contest, while senior Taz Sherman is scoring 12.1 points on 46.2% shooting from beyond the arc.
The Jayhawks aim for their eighth straight victory
The Kansas Jayhawks are riding a seven-game win streak following a 58-57 victory at the No. 14 Texas Tech Red Raiders. They are undefeated since the opening day and a tough 102-90 loss to the mighty Gonzaga Bulldogs at the neutral site.
The Jayhawks continue to play terrific defense, allowing only 87.2 points per 100 possessions (6th in the country) on 39.3% shooting from the field (67th). They score 110.0 points in a return (26th) on 44.0% shooting (189th).
Junior guard Ochai Agbaji leads the way for the Jayhawks, averaging 15.3 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game. He had dropped 23 points on Texas Tech, while sophomore Jalen Wilson had 23 points in a 73-72 win over the No. 8 Creighton. Wilson is averaging 14.3 points and 8.0 rebounds per game.
[metabet_core_odds_compare query=”ncaab/kansas” size=”300×250″ site_id=”atsio” css=”float:right; margin-left:10px”]Trends:
West Virginia:
- 2-6 ATS in the last eight games against Kansas
- 1-3 ATS in the last four games overall
- 0-7-1 ATS in the last eight road contests
Kansas:
- 10-6 ATS in the last 16 games overall
The Winner Prediction
The Mountaineers have won their last two road tilts, but they are only 2-6 SU and 0-7-1 ATS in their previous eight showings on the road. Hereof, I would be surprised if they upset the odds against one of the best teams in the country.
The Jayhawks are unbeaten in 12 consecutive home contests. Theyโve covered only five times in that stretch, but I have to take them in this one, considering a paltry 3-point spread.
Both teams are capable of playing excellent defense, but I think the Jayhawks have more offensive weapons which should be a key factor against the Mountaineers. Also, the hosts have more depth, especially in the frontcourt to ensure constant pressure on Derek Culver.
Pick: Take Kansas -3.0 at -110
The Total:
The under is 13-6 in West Virginiaโs last 19 games overall, 9-4 in the Mountaineersโ previous 13 road contests, and 5-0 in the Jayhawksโ last five outings. As Iโve already mentioned, both West Virginia and Kansas lean on defense, so betting on the under is my choice here.
Four of the last five encounters between the Mountaineers and Jayhawks went in the under. Their last two matchups produced fewer than 115 points in total.
Pick: Go under 140.5 points at -110