Chapter III of West Virginia vs. Texas Tech series this season will happen in Kansas City later today, as both teams square off in a Big 12 Tournament semifinal matchup. Read on for a preview of this high-octane game. Register here to make your pick.
Betting Preview for the West Virginia Mountaineers vs. Texas Tech Red Raiders Big 12 College Basketball Game on March 9, 2018
Where: Sprint Center, Kansas City
When: Saturday, March 9, 4:00 PM ET
Line: West Virginia Mountaineers (n/a) vs. Texas Tech Red Raiders (n/a) – view all NCAA Basketball lines
TV Broadcast: ESPN
Betting on the West Virginia Mountaineers (23-9)
Jevon Carter showed why he is one of the best guards in the Big 12 (and in the nation as well) the last time the Mountaineers and the Red Raiders shared the court. That was on Feb. 26 when he scored 21 points with five three-points in an 84-74 win over Texas Tech in Morgantown. In a prior meeting to that, Carter had 26 points, albeit in a 72-71 road loss on Jan. 13. It’s clear that Carter can have his way when wants to against Texas Tech, but for the Mountaineers to truly have a chance in this game, their defense will have to be tight. The Mountaineers boast of a pesky defense that forces opponents to commit 16.7 turnovers per game. Texas Tech had 13 turnovers in each of the past two meetings with WVU. Moreover, the Mountaineers limit opposing teams to just 68.9 points per game.
Betting on the Texas Tech Red Raiders (24-8)
Keenan Evans almost single-handedly towed Texas Tech to victory on Thursday against the Texas Longhorns. Opposite the Longhorns’ tough defense, Evans came through for Texas Tech and delivered 25 points for his team. Evans is leading the Red Raiders this season with 17.4 points per game, and while he is a capable scorer, he might be a little tired entering the semifinals of the Big 12 Tournament, so his teammates will have to lend him a better support this time around. Zhaire Smith and Jarrett Culver are behind Evans on the scoring list for Texas Tech with 11.5 points per game each. The two had 21 points together in the win over Texas. The Red Raiders’ defense, meanwhile, could be the bigger factor for Texas Tech. The team is 13th in the nation with only 64.5 points allowed with opponents shooting only 40.3 percent from the field.
Writer’s Prediction
West Virginia wins, 78-74.
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