For the third year in a row, Virginia and West Virginia will face off against each other with state pride on the line. The programs split the first two meetings with the Mountaineers picking up the 66-57 victory during non-conference play last season. Virginia has yet to lose a game this season while WVU has rattled off seven straight wins since dropping its season opener in Germany.
- West Virginia’s Jevon Carter is averaging 22.5 points in the last 4 games.
- Virginia is 12-4 ATS in its last 16 games as underdog.
- West Virginia is 3-7 ATS in its last 10 games as favorite.
Tony Bennett’s pack-line defense has not suffered this season despite missing several key contributors from last year. This style requires patience but could limit a WVU team that has shot just 33.3 percent from beyond the arc. Kyle Guy, who flashed at times last season, has taken on the offensive load for the Cavaliers, leading the team in points and field goals made and attempted.
Of course, WVU will use its well-known Press Virginia style of defense to disrupt Virginia’s offense. Entering the season there was a concern that the style of play might not work with several new players and Esa Ahmad’s suspension but the Mountaineers’ depth is shining through. Senior Jevon Carter is the focal point on both ends of the court with the guard averaging 19.0 points, 5.5 assists and 4.8 rebounds.
Sportsbook Odds & Computer Pick
Sportsbooks (including Sportsbook) had the West Virginia Mountaineers as 2.5-point favorites in this particular matchup earlier in the day. Also, watch for the Sportsbook OVER/UNDER total value at Sportsbook.
Virginia Cavaliers vs West Virginia Mountaineers Matchup
Team Betting Records & Power Rankings
The West Virginia Mountaineers sit at 7-1 (2-3 ATS) on the college basketball season. By comparison, the Virginia Cavaliers are currently 8-0 (6-1 ATS). Looking to bet on the total points scored? West Virginia is 4-2 OU, and Virginia is 2-5 OU.
This game puts the Mountaineers, most recently No. 11 in the OddsShark power rankings, up against the Cavaliers, who rate No. 13 in the latest survey.
Statistical Matchup
Rating these schools in several key categories is important for handicappers and West Virginia has the nation's No. 24-rated offensive output, at 87.86 PPG. The visiting Cavaliers defense ranks No. 1 allowing on average 50.14 PPG. The Mountaineers FG% has averaged 43.71% so far, less than the West Virginia marksmen have achieved on the year, 48.79% per game.
Recent Outings Betting Recap
The Cavaliers blew out Lehigh on Saturday, running up a 20+ point victory in a 75-54 win at John Paul Jones Arena.
West Virginia cruised to victory on Thursday, running NJIT out of the gym and running up a 102-69 score at WVU Colliseum.
- Virginia is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
- Virginia is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
- Virginia is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games on the road
- The total has gone UNDER in 19 of Virginia's last 25 games on the road
- West Virginia is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
- West Virginia is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Next Betting Matchups
Virginia home to Davidson, Saturday, December 16
West Virginia at Pittsburgh, Saturday, December 9
