The men’s basketball team of WVU Mountaineers is nearing the end of their demanding regular-season schedule. Following their match against Oklahoma State on Saturday, the team will start getting ready for a challenging showdown in the Big 12 tournament.
From March 10 to March 13, the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City will host the Phillips 66 Big 12 Men’s Basketball Championship.
While the Mountaineers are almost guaranteed their NCAA Tournament berth, the conference tournament holds significant importance for them.
Coach Bob Huggins and his team are determined to demonstrate their worthiness for a high seed to the selection committee, while also aiming to establish a strong momentum.
It is uncommon for a college basketball program to struggle towards the end of the season and suddenly turn things around for the Big Dance.
For those seeking an advantage before placing bets on March Madness in West Virginia, all conference tournaments will prove beneficial.
Certainly, individuals residing in the Mountain State have the opportunity to place bets on the Big 12 tournament or any collegiate basketball match through any sportsbook in West Virginia.
We should analyze the current odds for the upcoming conference tournament to determine the potential extent of WVU’s success.
Big 12 Tournament at WV sportsbooks
Although the Mountaineers’ specific route to winning the Big 12 remains uncertain until all teams conclude their games, we have a solid grasp of its general framework.
It is certain that they will not be involved in the initial round of the tournament. The opening night will exclusively feature the conference’s lowest-ranked four teams.
The first-round matchups have been set, although the final tournament bracket won’t be determined until Sunday night.
Iowa State, ranked 10th, is set to face off against Oklahoma, ranked 7th, while Kansas State, ranked 9th, will take on TCU, ranked 8th.
It is probable that Texas Tech will end up with the same conference record as OU after their upcoming game against Baylor. Nevertheless, the Red Raiders have emerged victorious in both of their previous face-offs against the Sooners.
Seeding for this season’s teams is determined by their winning percentage, as not all teams have played an equal number of games.
Earning the postseason tournament’s No. 2 seed will be contingent on WVU taking care of business at home on Saturday.
Alternatively, if the Mountaineers were to lose, they could potentially slide down a few positions. With no remaining games for Kansas, a record of 11-6 would still secure them a spot within the top three.
If WVU experiences a loss and Texas secures a victory against TCU on Sunday, it is possible that WVU could be pushed to the No. 4 seed. Since the two teams have an equal number of wins in their regular-season series, a tiebreaker would be necessary.
Seeding plays a crucial role as it impacts the entire tournament, rather than just the initial game. By avoiding the fourth seed, you also increase your chances of facing Baylor only in the championship.
Although WVU’s finale may not carry much significance, there are always numerous incentives to compete in March.
WVU basketball odds
If the Mountaineers secure a victory on Saturday, it would put them in a great position as the No. 2 seed. Their next challenge would be against the winner of the Oklahoma-Iowa State matchup. Considering Iowa State’s winless record of 0-17 in the conference, it is highly expected that the Sooners will emerge victorious.
Despite falling short in both games against OU this year, WVU will be rooting for the Cyclones.
Even though they didn’t win either game, the combined margin of victory for both matches was only five points.
It is an incredibly challenging feat to defeat any team three times within a single season. Oklahoma might have the chance to accomplish this if circumstances align favorably.
The Mountaineers are expected to have the upper hand in a possible third match against OU, given that the Sooners concluded the season with four consecutive losses and are not performing at their peak in basketball.
If WVU manages to advance past the second round, it will face either the No. 3 or No. 6 team in the Big 12 semifinals.
At the moment, Kansas or Texas Tech would hold that position.
It is evident that teams participating in the Big 12 tournament anticipate encountering formidable competition at this stage.
WVU had a 1-1 record against KU, but managed to defeat Tech twice.
If they secure a victory, the Mountaineers will most likely face Baylor in the final. WVU is eager to have another opportunity against the impressive 20-1 Bears.
It is not surprising that the team that dominated the regular season is heavily favored to win the conference tournament as well.
Baylor is listed at -112 to win the championship at DraftKings Sportsbook West Virginia in Kansas City.
Texas is ranked second with odds of +510, closely followed by WVU at +525. Kansas is shown with odds of +550 to win the Big 12.
The following odds for the remainder of the conference are included on the online sportsbook.
- Oklahoma State +800
- Texas Tech +900
- Oklahoma +1300
- TCU +15000
- Kansas State +30000
- Iowa State +50000
WVU’s résumé could receive a significant boost from a strong performance, potentially leading to an improved seed in the NCAA Tournament. ESPN’s current bracket projections position the Mountaineers as a No. 3 seed.
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