The Pittsburgh Panthers (2-1) challenge the West Virginia Mountaineers (1-0) at the Petersen Events Center. The game starts at 7 p.m. ET on Friday, November 15, 2019, and will air on ESPNU.
West Virginia Mountaineers at Pittsburgh Panthers Betting Prediction
The Mountaineers will be looking for similar success after beating the Akron Zips in their last outing, 94-84. The Mountaineers had a better free throw rate (0.508 vs. 0.419) and had a better turnover percentage (15.1 vs. 17.5). West Virginia was led by Jermaine Haley, who finished with 16 points and seven rebounds.
In the Panthers’ last outing, they were victorious over the Robert Morris Colonials, 71-57. The Panthers had a much better free throw rate (0.440 vs. 0.103) and had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (43.3 vs. 27.8). Trey McGowens was the game’s top scorer with 25 points on 8-for-13 shooting from the field.
From an effective field goal percentage perspective, Pittsburgh should have a noteworthy advantage. Since last season, the Panthers defense ranks 52nd in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.476), while the West Virginia offense ranks 312th in effective field goal percentage (0.476). Ball security could be troublesome for the Mountaineers. They rank 318th at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 21.4 percent), while the Panthers have forced the 49th-most turnovers in the nation (opponents’ turnover percentage of 21.4 percent).
West Virginia vs. Pittsburgh Free Pick
College Basketball Prediction: West Virginia
Betting Trends
West Virginia ranks 22nd in rebounds per game (39.5) while Pittsburgh ranks 235th in rebounds allowed per game (36.4).
The Panthers rank 89th in steals per game (6.8) while the Mountaineers rank 273rd in steals allowed per game (8.2).
West Virginia ranks 116th in blocks per game (3.5) while Pittsburgh ranks 238th in blocks allowed per game (5.3).
The Mountaineers rank 118th in three pointers attempted per game (23.4) while the Panthers rank 239th (20.4).
West Virginia ranks 141st in assists per game (13.6) while Pittsburgh ranks 255th (11.8).