The West Virginia Mountaineers (12-3) travel to face off against the Houston Cougars (12-3) on Wednesday, January 15th. This game will be played at Fertitta Center in Houston and televised on ESPN+. Both team’s come into this one having won their previous games. Tip-off is set for 8:00 ET.
West Virginia Mountaineers vs Houston Cougars
The Mountaineers Are Coming Off A Win
West Virginia improved to 12-3 on the season with a 78-70 win over Colorado on Sunday. The Mountaineers were +3 point underdogs heading into the game but not only won, they also covered the spread.
West Virginia led 40-29 at halftime and added 38 points in the 2nd half, while allowing 41. The total points for the game ended up at 148, going over the pre-game O/U line of 134.5.
The Cougars Are Coming Off A Win
Houston improved to 12-3 on the season with an 87-57 road win over Kansas State on Saturday. The Cougars entered the game as -10.5 favorites and covered the spread, while the total points of 144 exceeded the O/U line of 128.5.
Houston dominated early, leading 46-24 at halftime, and continued their strong play in the 2nd half, outscoring the Wildcats 41-33.
Mountaineers Offense Breakdown
Javon Small’s 26 points and 7 assists led the way for West Virginia in their recent game, with Julian Hammond III adding 23 points. Joseph Yesufu was efficient, shooting 66.7% from the field and 3-point range, while Assane Diop hit 75% of his shots, including his only 3-point attempt. Eduardo Andre was perfect from the field, going 5-for-5.
As a team, the Mountaineers shot 45.5% overall, with an effective field goal percentage of 52.7%. They hit 33.3% from beyond the arc, making 8 of 24 attempts, and connected on 71.4% of their free throws. West Virginia finished with 9 assists and 8 offensive rebounds in the game.
Cougars Offense Breakdown
In their latest game, the Cougars put up 87 points, shooting 49.3% from the field and 42.9% from three-point range. Their effective field goal percentage was 53.6%, and they connected on 65% of their free throws, going 13-for-20.
Houston dominated the offensive glass with 16 rebounds and dished out 13 assists. Emanuel Sharp and Brendan Hausen led the way with 15 points each, with Sharp hitting 50% from deep. Joseph Tugler and Ja’Vier Francis both grabbed 9 or more rebounds, with Tugler also adding 13 points.
Mountaineers Team Defense
West Virginia’s defense gave up 70 points in their last game, with the opposing team shooting 41% from the field on 20 of 48 attempts. Inside the arc, they allowed 14 two-point baskets on 29 attempts, a 48% shooting rate.
From three-point range, the opposing team hit 6 of 19 shots, shooting 31%. West Virginia also sent them to the free-throw line 30 times, where they converted 24 free throws, shooting 80%. The Mountaineers allowed 8 offensive rebounds.
Cougars Team Defense
West Virginia’s defense gave up 70 points in their last game, with opponents shooting 41% from the field. They allowed 14 two-point baskets on 29 attempts, a 48% shooting rate.
From beyond the arc, West Virginia’s defense held their opponents to 6 made threes on 19 attempts, or 31% shooting. They also sent the other team to the free-throw line 30 times, where they converted 24 free throws (80%).
Mountaineers vs Cougars Trends
- When looking at their past three road matchups, West Virginia has an ATS record of 3-0 while averaging 74 per game. The team went 3-0 overall in these games.
- In their last five games at home, the Cougars have a straight up record of 4-1 while going 2-3 vs the spread. The team’s offense averaged 76 points per game in these contests.
- The Mountaineers have played well in their last five games as the betting underdog, going 3-2 straight up and 3-2 against the spread.
- Houston has done well both straight up and vs the spread when favored to win the game, going 3-0 SU and 3-0 ATS in their last three games.
Mountaineers vs Cougars Prediction
When looking to get a point-spread pick down in this Cougars vs. Cougars game, our recommendation is to take the Cougars at -16. Despite our model showing the Cougars winning 77-69, we like Mountaineers as our point-spread pick.
As for the over/under, the the line is currently at 121.5, and our model projects the Mountaineers and Cougars to reach a combined total of 146 points. Our bet is on taking the over.
All odds are courtesy of Action247 Sportsbook. Good luck!!
* All odds are provided by Action247 Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.**All views expressed are my own. My picks are my own and are not a guarantee, bet at your own risk.Action247 does not warrant the accuracy of completeness of the information, text, graphics, links or other items contained within these post.
Last updated:January 15, 2025 Houston Cougars, West Virginia Mountaineers