Houston Cougars vs
West Virginia MountaineersPredictions & Preview

Red-Hot Houston Cougars Set to Face Struggling West Virginia Mountaineers in Big 12 Matchup

In this upcoming Big 12 matchup, the red-hot Houston Cougars, on a 12-game winning streak and with a 16-3 overall record, will face off against the struggling West Virginia Mountaineers, who have dropped two straight games and stand at 13-6 on the season. The game is set to tip-off at 7:00 pm EST. Houston is the betting favorite with an opening line of -7.5, now sitting at -8. Stay tuned for the full prediction.

Betting Odds

• Moneyline: Cougars -350 | Mountaineers +275
• Spread: Cougars -8 (-110) | Mountaineers +8 (-110)
• Total: Over/Under 123.5 (-110)
• Based on the moneyline, the implied probability that Houston will win straight-up is 78%.

Houston vs West Virginia Stats

Houston Cougars

The 7th-ranked Houston Cougars secured a thrilling 92-86 victory in double overtime against the 12th-ranked Kansas Jayhawks, extending their winning streak to 12 games. Head coach Kelvin Sampson praised the team's toughness and ability to rally in difficult situations. The Cougars' offensive and defensive efficiency have been key factors in their success this season. Despite key injuries, the Cougars continue to excel on both ends of the court. With an impressive power ranking of 6, Houston ranks 165th in offense and 1st in defense. Offensively, they shoot well from the field and the three-point line, while defensively they excel in limiting opponents' shooting percentages. The Cougars will look to extend their winning streak when they face off against West Virginia next.

West Virginia Mountaineers Analysis

The West Virginia Mountaineers suffered a 73-60 loss to the Kansas State Cougars, falling to 13-6 on the season. Coach Darian DeVries expressed disappointment in the team's lack of tenacity and slow start in the game. Javon Small led the Mountaineers with 22 points, but their perimeter shooting struggled, with just 4-of-21 from 3-point range. The team faces a tough matchup against Houston next. West Virginia ranks 15th in the Big 12 in scoring and has struggled with offensive efficiency, but excels defensively, ranking 3rd in scoring defense. The Mountaineers have key injuries, with G Tucker DeVries and G Jayden Stone out. In terms of stats, the Mountaineers shoot 42.68% from the field, 75.74% from the free-throw line, and 33.60% from three-point range. Defensively, they allow 39.69% field goals and 28.15% from three-point range. The team averages 34.50 rebounds, 13.50 assists, and 10.78 turnovers per game offensively, and 37.00 rebounds, 10.00 assists, and 13.50 turnovers per game defensively.

Dominant Houston Defense Set to Overpower Struggling West Virginia Offense

The Cougars are poised for success against the Mountaineers, with a strong emphasis on their superior defensive capabilities. Leading the conference in field goal defense and ranking third in 3-point defense, the Cougars are well-equipped to stifle the struggling Mountaineers' offense. West Virginia's recent shooting woes, coupled with their low ranking in scoring and rebounding within the Big 12, further highlight the advantage that Houston possesses in this matchup. With a focus on controlling the game's pace and dominating the glass, the Cougars are primed to secure a decisive victory. This strategic approach will likely prove insurmountable for West Virginia, given their recent performance and statistical disadvantages. Anticipate Houston asserting their defensive prowess and rebounding strength to effectively neutralize the Mountaineers' offense.

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