West Virginia vs Texas Tech Odds
| West Virginia Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+3 -110 | 139.5 -110o / -110u | +140 |
| Texas Tech Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-3 -110 | 139.5 -110o / -110u | -170 |
West Virginia and Texas Tech will meet in a matchup featuring two teams that have combined for just one win in Big 12 play.
This has resulted in both teams filling the bottom two spots in the Big 12 standings.
The Mountaineers started the season 10-2 before they were knocked off course by a five-game losing streak to start league play. Unlike Texas Tech, West Virginia does have one win in conference, defeating TCU last Wednesday on the Frogs' home floor, 74-65.
Mark Adams' second year at the helm for Texas Tech has been rough. The Red Raiders have yet to win a Big 12 game due to a roster seeing significant turnover from a 27-10 season ago.
In addition, Texas Tech has caught the injury bug, with D'Maurian Williams, Robert Jennings and Elijah Fisher all missing time as of late.
To pick which of these teams will take this opportunity to partially salvage their season, let's take a look at the odds and make a prediction for West Virginia vs. Texas Tech.
West Virginia Mountaineers
Even given its second-to-last standing in the Big-12, West Virginia still ranks inside the top 50 in both offensive and defensive adjusted efficiency.
The Mountaineers' poor record can be attributed to having the 10th-toughest strength of schedule, according to KenPom's overall components.
On the offensive end, the Mountaineers have been effective at taking care of the basketball, creating second chances and getting to the free-throw line.
West Virginia has the 47th-highest offensive rebounding percentage in the country, grabbing offensive boards on 33.6% of its possessions. These additional possessions are combined with a turnover rate of just 17.9%, which results in an offense averaging 77.7 points per game.
Where West Virginia has struggled is in its ability to find success from the perimeter. This outside shooting is bound to see some regression against a Texas Tech team allowing 35.2% of its opponents' points to be scored beyond the arc, the 53rd-highest rate in the country.
Defensively, West Virginia will look to use its pressure to disrupt a Texas Tech team struggling with turnovers. The Red Raiders turn the ball over on 20.5% of their possessions, while the Mountaineers are creating turnovers on 22.1% of their opponents possessions, the 36th-highest rate in the country.
Even considering the desperation spot for Texas Tech, a win will not come easy on its home floor against a West Virginia team playing better than its record reflects.
Texas Tech Red Raiders
This season for the Red Raiders has been rough — to put it lightly.
Texas Tech's best win came on Dec. 13 when it beat Eastern Washington by seven points on its home floor. Other than this victory the Red Raiders have just one other win against teams inside the top 215.
This lack of success is due to a roster returning 19.2% of its minutes from a team that won 27 games a year ago. This fresh roster has also been hindered by four different players missing at least one game due to injury.
If there's a positive point of emphasis for this Texas Tech team, it can be found in the addition of Utah Valley transfer Fardaws Aimaq to the lineup. Through three games, Aimaq is averaging 10 points and 6.7 rebounds for the Red Raiders.
Utah Valley transfer Fardaws Aimaq is focusing on the following five schools in his recruitment:
Arkansas
Kentucky
Iowa
Texas Tech
WashingtonAimaq averaged 18.9PPG and 13.6RPG in 21-22. One of the best transfers available.@FardawsAimaqpic.twitter.com/L4B2QxrbtO
— 24/7 High School Hoops (@247HSHoops) March 30, 2022
Aimaq's contributions on both ends of the floor are desperately needed for a Texas Tech team looking to build consistency.
On the defensive end, the Red Raiders have been at their best when creating pressure. Texas Tech creates turnovers on 21.9% of its opponents' possessions, the 39th-highest rate in the country.
Matching the pressure of West Virginia will be crucial for Texas Tech on Wednesday night.
Overall, the addition of Aimaq is a great add for a struggling Texas Tech team, but may not be enough to completely right the ship.
West Virginia vs Texas Tech Betting Pick
This is a unique matchup between two teams desperate for a conference victory.
For Texas Tech, this desperation is at an all-time high after losing its first seven conference games. If it's unable to take care of business on its home floor against the second-to-last team in the Big 12, things will get even more dire.
Overall, I see advantages for both defenses against offenses struggling with consistency. Both West Virginia and Texas Tech create turnovers on over 21% of their opponents' possessions, which will result in neither offense being able to develop rhythm.
Given this, I believe there is value in the under between two teams relying on their defensive success.
Pick: Under 142.5 (Play to 141) |
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