West Virginia-TCU prediction, pick, how to watch
Big 12 action continues on ESPNU from Forth Worth, TX. The West Virginia Mountaineers (13-8) will be hosted by the No. 15 TCU Horned Frogs (16-5) where both teams will look for another win within the Big 12 Conference. This game is definitely about the final minutes. Check out our college basketball odds series for our West Virginia TCU prediction and selection.
The West Virginia Mountaineers will be looking for another win after back-to-back wins against tough opponents at Texas Tech and Auburn. The Mountaineers have a great record at 13-8. But if you’re playing in the Big 12 this year, 13-8 will give you your eighth spot in the conference standings. Make no mistake, West Virginia is capable of beating any other conference opponent. They beat this TCU team at home just two weeks ago. They’ll try to upset their ranked opponent here again tonight.
The TCU Horned Frogs suffered a devastating overtime loss to Mississippi State. They only managed to pick up eight points in overtime, giving up a season-high to Tolu Smith. The frogs fell back to 15th place after the defeat and will now try to avoid further relegation. They couldn’t handle their first time out with WVU and gave up 39 points in the first half. With home field advantage this time, the Horned Frogs will seek revenge in this revenge game.
Here are West Virginia-TCU college basketball odds, courtesy of FanDuel.
College Basketball Odds: West Virginia TCU Odds
West Virginia: +1.5 (-105)
TCU: -1.5 (-115)
Above: 143.5 (-105)
Below: 143.5 (-115)
Here’s how to watch West Virginia vs. TCU
Television: ESPNU
Stream: fuboTV, ESPN app
Time: 9:00 PM ET/6:00 PM PT
*Watch college basketball LIVE with fuboTV (click for a free trial)*
Why West Virginia could cover the spread
The Mountaineers were led by a string of players who showcased their season performances in their impressive victories. Joe Toussaint had 22 in his win over Texas Tech and Erik Stevenson had 31 in a win over No. 15 Auburn. This win will give the Mountaineers a huge confidence boost as they face off against another high-level opponent in TCU. Kedrian Johnson’s defense on the touchline was also a big part of West Virginia’s success.
West Virginia is 2-6 in games as an underdog and has only 3-3 ATS on the road. They are certainly a better home team. Despite this, their shooting times are consistent and can become very dangerous when they start to heat up. You will try to catch a hot hand against TCU in this coin toss game.
Why TCU could cover the spread
As the home team, TCU will have a slight advantage here. However, the Horned Frogs will be without their top scorer, Mike Miles Jr., as he is out with a knee injury. His TCU teammates must pick up the pieces while Miles leads them on goals, assists and steals. Eddie Lampkin has to be a force for the Frogs and guard Damion Baugh has to hand the ball to his teammates. Crowd will be the biggest factor for the Frogs in Miles’ absence in this one.
TCU was good against the spread at 12-8 overall and 7-4 ATS at home. Granted they did it with Miles on the floor so it will be interesting to see if they can recover here without him. They couldn’t stop West Virginia earlier this month, so look to TCU to rely on their defense to lead them to a win here.
Final West Virginia TCU prediction and selection
Mike Miles Jr.’s absence for the Frogs could be the deciding factor in this case. West Virginia continues to play solid basketball. If they can smother the Horned Frogs on defense, they can win if TCU has no answers. Covers from West Virginia.
Final West Virginia TCU Prediction & Pick: West Virginia Mountaineers +1.5 (-105)
