UConn Huskies vs. West Virginia Mountaineers Picks, Predictions, Odds

VegasInsider Staff Sports Betting Expert

6 minute read

Dec. 8, 2021

Joe Hedrick
VI Betting Expert
VegasInsider.com

The UConn Huskies (8-1) travel to Morgantown, West Virginia to take on the West Virginia Mountaineers (7-1). Wednesday night’s tip is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET at the WVU Coliseum and can be viewed on ESPN2.

Score Prediction

UConn 76, West Virginia 70

Best Bets

UConn +2.5 (-110) at Westgate SuperBook

UConn Huskies vs. West Virginia Mountaineers Predictions

UConn comes into this game ranked 15th in the country and first in the Big East. Their most recent win was a dominating performance defeating The Grambling Tigers, 88-59. The only loss on the season for the Huskies was against the Michigan State Spartans, losing 64-60. A win in Morgantown would give them a great boost headed into the next game against St. Bonaventure (7-1).

West Virginia is 7-1 overall on the season and first in the Big 12. The only loss came to Marquette in the Charleston Classic. Since, The Mountaineers have fired off four wins in a row. This will be the toughest team West Virginia has faced all year. Facing a top 25 team is something the Mountaineers should get used to as the Big 12 currently has four top 25 teams in the conference.

I like the Huskies to cover in this one. There is no debating that WVU Coliseum is a tough place to play, but I think UConn’s offense will be too much for the Mountaineers to handle.

UConn Huskies vs. West Virginia Mountaineers Betting Odds

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UConn Huskies vs. West Virginia Mountaineers Betting Resources

• Matchup: Big East vs. Big 12
• Date: Wednesday, December 8, 2021
• Venue: WVU Coliseum
• Location: Morgantown, West Virginia
• TV-Time: ESPN2 - 7:00 p.m. ET

• Injury Report
• Wooden Award Odds
• Conference Futures Market
• Power Rankings

UConn Huskies Betting Analysis

Straight Up - SU, Against the Spread - ATS, Over-Under (O/U)

• SU: 8-1
• ATS: 4-5
• O/U: 6-3

Despite an 8-1 record SU, the Huskies are just 4-5 ATS. The offense has been rolling which has contributed to a 6-3 O/U record. This is the Huskies first true road game of the season. All other non-home games have been played on a neutral court. Expect UConn to try and maintain a fast pace as they love to score the ball. Coming into this game they are averaging 85.9 PPG (9th NCAA).

UConn’s offense is led by senior guard RJ Cole. Cole is averaging 16.6 PPG, 4.4 AST, and 3 RPG on the season. As a team, UConn is averaging 15.9 APG which ranks 59th in the NCAA. The Huskies are shooting 37% from three and 45% from the field. Sophomore forward Adam Sonogo has been another difference maker for the Huskies averaging 15.6 PPG, 6.3 RPG, and 55.2%FG. The offense will need to come to play against a West Virginia Team that thrives on defense.

The Huskie’s defense has been great, allowing just 62 PPG. They average eight steals per game and like to crash the glass, averaging 44 RPG. UConn will want to take advantage of this as the Mountaineers enter the game averaging 32 RPG. West Virginia shoots only 30% from three, so the focus for UConn’s defense should be on the mid-range/inside game.

West Virginia Mountaineers Betting Analysis

Straight Up - SU, Against the Spread - ATS, Over-Under (O/U)

• SU: 7-1
• ATS: 3-5
• O/U: 3-5

The Mountaineers have been struggling to cover on the season with a 3-5 ATS record. The over has hit just three times for West Virginia. Not surprising for a team that loves to play defense. West Virginia will have to change the game-plan in this one as UConn’s defense has been just as good. The focus will have to be on the offense to win this game.

West Virginia’s offense is averaging 72 PPG (192nd), shooting 45% from the field, and 30% from three. Senior Guard Taz Sherman has been the leader. Sherman is averaging 21 PPG, 3.3 APG, and 43% FG. His most recent 27-point performance help pave the way for a 67-51 win over Radford. Sophomore forwardJalen Bridges has also been a difference maker averaging 8.5 PPG, 5 RPG, and 1.1 BPG. While West Virginia generally relies on its defense, the offense will need to step up Wednesday night.

The Mountaineer's defense is holding opponents to 63 PPG. In three of the past four games, they have held teams to under 60 points. Averaging nine steals a game, they will look to create turnovers to get the offense going. Head coach Bob Huggins likes to throw full court pressure at teams and would not be surprised if he did the same on Wednesday night.

UConn has gone OVER the point total in six of its last nine games. (AP)

Inside the Stats - UConn Huskies

• Record: 8-1
• VI Ranking: 19
• PS/G: 85.9 (9th)
• PA/G: 62.6 (68th)
• ORtg: 114.2 (31st)
• DRtg: 83.2 (8th)

Inside the Stats - West Virginia Mountaineers

• Record: 7-1
• VI Ranking: 35
• PS/G: 72.4 (182nd)
• PA/G: 63 (75th)
• ORtg: 105.9 (125th)
• DRtg: 92.1 (104th)

Key Players to Watch

• CONN – R.J. Cole - G (16.3 ppg, 4.4 apg)
• CONN – Adama Sanogo - F (15.6 ppg, 6.3 rpg)
• WVU – Taz Sherman - G (21 ppg)
• WVU – Sean McNeil - G (12 ppg)

UConn Huskies vs. West Virginia Mountaineers Betting Conclusion

This should be a highly entertaining game and I expect it to be close throughout its entirety. West Virginia is always a tough team to play, but shooting only 30% from three-point land is what concerns me in this match-up.

UConn’s 85 PPG has been impressive to start the season and we should a similar performance on Wednesday night. While it will not come easy, UConn head coach Dan Hurley should have the team prepared and ready to go. Backing The Huskies in this match-up.

UConn Huskies vs. West Virginia Mountaineers Betting Trends

• UConn has gone OVER the point total in six of its last nine games.
• West Virginia has failed to cover the spread in four of its last five games.
• West Virginia has failed to cover the spread in five of its last eight games when playing as the favorite.
• West Virginia has gone UNDER the point total in five of its last eight games.

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