The Mountaineers men’s basketball team experienced their closest brush with defeat in the first match against Texas Tech this season. As they prepare to face the Red Raiders once again in Lubbock on Tuesday, West Virginia aims to secure a sweep that would significantly enhance their tournament resume, courtesy of their narrow one-point victory last month.
Online sportsbooks in West Virginia are not feeling optimistic about their chances against Texas Tech and have designated them as the clear underdog. This is largely due to the close call they had in Morgantown on January 25, which has influenced the odds.
A look at the latest WVU vs. Texas Tech men’s basketball odds
The game against the seventh-ranked Red Raiders is scheduled to start at 9 p.m. EST on ESPN. WVU, ranked No. 14 in the AP poll, is considered an underdog by approximately five or six points, depending on the WV sportsbooks you refer to.
The total score for this game ranges from 140 to 141 points, which is slightly lower than the combined average of both teams for the season (151 points). It is also below the score they achieved on January 25th in Morgantown, which was 175 points.
The reason for the low total is primarily due to the United Supermarkets Arena. This season, the average total points scored in games held at this venue is only 130.1. Moreover, Texas Tech has been exceptionally strong defensively in their past six home games, allowing an average of just 63.6 points per game. In four of those matchups, their opponents were unable to surpass the 70-point mark.
In order to challenge this trend, WVU must make a strong start. Texas Tech has consistently dominated the first half in eight out of their last nine night games at home, resulting in numerous decisive victories with an average margin of victory of 19 points.
If the Mountaineers manage to replicate the recipe for success on Jan. 25, it will be an even more remarkable achievement.
How did WVU escape with a win over Texas Tech the first time?
What strategies can be employed to recover from a 12-2 deficit in turnovers? Exhibiting exceptional shooting accuracy, with a remarkable 57.7% from the field and an impressive 63.2% from behind the arc, can undeniably contribute significantly. These figures significantly surpass WVU’s average shooting percentage of 42.9% throughout the season.
Based on the statistics, West Virginia will find it challenging to replicate their previous performance. Texas Tech has an impressive record of limiting Big 12 opponents to just 45.9% shooting from the field and 40.7% from beyond the arc this season.
It is evident that a difference of 10 turnovers might prove insurmountable for another last-second jump shot by Miles McBride. If WVU hopes to succeed against the odds in this game, they will have to excel in shooting at a venue known for being merciless towards opposing teams.
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