The Big East-Big 12 Battle continues tonight on ESPN2 between the UConn Huskies and the West Virginia Mountaineers.
The Huskies have started the season 8-1 on the year but will have to look for other guys to step up with two key pieces injured and out.
On the other hand, West Virginia also has just one loss to Marquette through its first eight games. However, the Mountaineers haven’t had to play a tough schedule outside of Marquette and Clemson. This game against Connecticut will be a resume builder, despite UConn missing a couple of key players in the Huskies’ first road game of the season.
Here are our picks and predictions for the Big East-Big 12 Battle between UConn and West Virginia.
UConn vs West Virginia odds
Odds via the Covers Line, an average comprised of odds from multiple sportsbooks.
West Virginia opened as a 1.5-point favorite and has now moved up to -2.5 at most outlets. The total, on the other hand, opened at 138.5 and has since stayed there at most books.
Keep in mind that you can still get a -1.5 number on West Virginia and a 138 on the total if you’re looking to line shop.
Use the live odds widget above to track any future line movements right up until tip-off and be sure to check out the full college basketball odds before placing your bets.
UConn vs West Virginia predictions
- Prediction: West Virginia -2.5 (-110)
- Prediction: Under 138.5 (-110)
- Best bet: West Virginia -2.5 (-110)
Predictions made on 12/08/2021 at 9:14 a.m. ET.
Click on each prediction to jump to the full analysis.
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UConn vs West Virginia game info
• Location: WVU Coliseum, Morgantown, WV
• Date: Wednesday, December 8, 2021
• Tip-off: 7:00 p.m. ET
• TV: ESPN 2
UConn at West Virginia betting preview
Injuries
UConn: Tyrese Martin G (Out), Adama Sanogo F (Out).
West Virginia: Sean McNeil G (Questionable), James Okonkwo F (Out).
Find our latest NCAA basketball injury reports.
Betting trend to know
The Huskies are 0-4 against the spread in their last 4 games following a ATS win. Find more NCAA betting trends for UConn vs. West Virginia.
UConn vs West Virginia picks and predictions
Our predictions are compiled from the analysis of the spread and total and are indications of where we are leaning for this game.
Our best bet is the play that we like the most for this game, which we would actually put some of our bankroll behind.
Spread analysis
The UConn Huskies will play its first true road game of the year against West Virginia without two of its top three scorers. Despite being ranked 15th in the nation, the Huskies are underdogs against West Virginia as they’ve lost so much production coming into this game.
Adama Sanogo was averaging 15.6 points and 6.3 rebounds per game, and he’ll be out with an abdominal injury. Meanwhile, Tyrese Martin is also missing Wednesday's clash with a wrist injury. Through seven games this season, he’s scored 12.9 points and 7.7 rebounds per game.
The Huskies had been one of the best teams on the glass this season, earning 41.1% of offensive rebounds, but will now be without two of their best rebounders. Still, West Virginia hasn’t been all that great on the defensive end outside of forcing turnovers.
The Mountaineers are allowing teams to shoot an effective field goal percentage of 51.6% and have allowed teams to earn offensive rebounds at 33.6% on the season. Teams are still shooting 34.4% from outside and 51.6% inside the arc against West Virginia this year. West Virginia's saving grace has been its ability to force turnovers at a 28.9% clip.
On the other hand, the Huskies have looked terrific defensively, holding teams to a 42.3% effective field goal percentage. UConn has also been able to force 23.8% of turnovers on the year while holding teams to just 40% shooting inside the arc. But losing Sanogo won’t help and the percentages will likely move in a downward trend until the Huskies get those two stars back in the rotation.
Without the injuries, I’d give the nod to UConn on the road. With the injuries, West Virginia should be able to pull this game out at home.
Prediction: West Virginia -2.5 (-110)
Over/Under analysis
Even though West Virginia forces close to 30% of turnovers per game, the offense still needs 18.8 seconds per possession this season. Fastbreak points will come here and there, but West Virginia will ultimately have more half-court offense that takes plenty of time to develop.
Connecticut is usually mean on the glass, but again, there are questions surrounding its ability to grab a high amount of rebounds with two stars sidelined.
Therefore, I’ll grab the Under at 138.5. Both defenses will be a big factor and it takes two to tango and hit the over.
Prediction: Under 138.5 (-110)
Best bet
With West Virginia at home against UConn, I’m confident the Mountaineers will be able to force its usual amount of turnovers, feed off the energy, and rebound at a solid rate.
The Mountaineers still might get worked on the glass, but if they can minimize the damage, the turnovers should keep them in the game and help West Virginia win while also covering the spread.
Pick: West Virginia -2.5 (-110)
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