ESPN’s Basketball Power Index has projected the West Virginia Mountaineers to win the Big 12, and they hope to live up to that billing. West Virginia will begin its conference slate in a road matchup against the Oklahoma State Cowboys.
The Mountaineers have gone on an impressive seven-game winning streak to ascend to No. 11 in the country and will aim to keep climbing the national rankings and start conference play on the right foot in this one. The Cowboys are undefeated at home but were blown out by the only ranked opponent they’ve seen -- North Carolina -- and need to play better to remain competitive in this one.
At 4 p.m. ET, tune into ESPN2 for live television coverage of this NCAA basketball game on Friday, December 30, 2016, at Gallagher-Iba Arena in Stillwater, Oklahoma.
We'll have NCAA basketball odds at BookMaker.eu available for this and every game on the college basketball Friday schedule.
Odds at BookMaker.eu
West Virginia is 11-1 straight up and has also done well against the spread, covering seven times in nine attempts. The Mountaineers are 1-0 against the spread on the road and have gone 6-2 while attempting to cover as the favorite.
Oklahoma State is 10-2 straight up and 5-3 against the spread this season. The Cowboys have covered in both attempts at home while they are 1-1 in games that they entered as the underdog.
Key Stat
33.5. That’s West Virginia’s positive point-differential on the season, which is one of the best marks in college basketball. The offense has been potent as the Mountaineers are averaging 91.8 points per game while the defense has been stingy, allowing only 58.3 points per contest. It is a great combination and a reason why West Virginia is seen as the team to beat in the conference.
The Mountaineers are led by Esa Ahmad, who is averaging 12.9 points, 4.8 assists and 1.3 steals per game. West Virginia has five players who average 1.3 steals per game or more, led by Jevon Carter, who swipes 3.3 possessions per game. Carter adds 9.8 points and 4.4 assists per game as he orchestrates the West Virginia attack.
With such an opportunistic defense, West Virginia will be looking to get into passing lanes consistently so Oklahoma State will need to take care of the ball.
Player To Watch
Jawun Evans - The Oklahoma State sophomore guard is one of the nation’s best scorers. He is averaging 20.2 points per game while shooting 47.6 percent from the field and an elite 56 percent from three-point range.
Evans adds 4.6 assists, 3.1 rebounds and 2.5 steals per game as he is one of the best players in the conference. Oklahoma State has some other nice players, including Jeffrey Carroll and Phil Forte III who are each averaging in double figures, but Evans is the one who leads the way.
He scored only six points last time out in an easy win over Texas A&M-CC but needs to have a big game in order for the Cowboys to stay within striking distance.
Free College Basketball ATS Picks
West Virginia isn’t known as one of the elite programs on the college basketball scene but has been dominant this season, which includes a nice win over top-10 foe Virginia. The Mountaineers must be able to keep it up throughout conference play, and this road affair is a crucial start.
West Virginia has nice balance and is fierce defensively, so the talent is there to push teams like Kansas and Baylor for the Big 12 title. However, the Mountaineers must prove themselves against some tough competition.
Oklahoma State should keep this one close for awhile but expect West Virginia to come away with a hard-fought victory.
College Basketball Odds: West Virginia 81, Oklahoma State 74
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