Texas vs West Virginia Prediction and Odds (Take Longhorns to Roll)
By Joe Summers
Texas beat West Virginia 74-59 on New Year's Day and will aim for a similar result when they take on the Mountaineers in Morgantown today at 1:00 PM CST.
The Longhorns have won and covered the spread in four of six while the wheels have completely fallen off the wagon for West Virginia. They've won just once in their last 13 games and have no chance to make the NCAA Tournament barring a conference tournament victory.
But Morgantown is still an intimidating place to play and the Mountaineers have talent despite their struggles. Will they pull off a home win or does value lie with the Longhorns on the road?
Here are the odds via WynnBET:
Texas vs West Virginia Odds, Spread and Total
Spread
- Texas -2.5 (-110)
- West Virginia +2.5 (-110)
Moneyline:
- Texas: -145
- West Virginia: +120
Total:
- 132 (Over -110/Under -110)
Texas vs West Virginia Prediction and Pick
The Mountaineers' offense is an embarrassment. They have the 308th-highest effective field goal percentage in the country and are one of the worst teams Bob Huggins has ever had at West Virginia. With the 348th-ranked defensive rebounding percentage and 273rd-best defensive free throw rate, they can be dominated inside and allow plenty of second-chance opportunities.
Texas should have no problem taking advantage of the Mountaineers' interior deficiencies with Timmy Allen, Tre Mitchell and company. The Longhorns haven't been great on the road, going just 3-7 against the spread (ATS), but their 13th-ranked defense should power them to victory today.
It's difficult to overstate just how horrible West Virginia has been. They're just 3-10 ATS as an underdog and are 1-4 ATS in their last five home games. I just don't see how they can score today. They might not crack 55 points against this stout Longhorns defense, even at home.
I'm thrilled this spread is such a small number and think Texas wins by double digits. Give me the Longhorns to beat the Mountaineers for the second time as they gear up for an NCAA Tournament run.
Pick: Texas -2.5 (-110)
Follow all of Joe Summers' betting picks here.