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Sometimes you want to make a quick pit stop, empty the bladder, grab a bag of salty snacks and limber up the limbs before hitting the open road again. For the fast-minded who enjoy simple $2 scratchers hoping to uncover the jackpot-winning image, here are quick thoughts and the lean on West Virginia vs. BYU.
West Virginia (17-11, 8-9) at No. 25 BYU (20-8, 11-6)
Date: Saturday, March 1
Time: 10 p.m. ET
TV: ESPN2
Pay attention to BYU. The Cougars demand recognition.
Heck, this bettor implores it. They’re 8-2 against the spread in their last 10.
Like pancakes bubbling on a piping-hot breakfast griddle, Kevin Young’s club is cooking. Winners of five straight — including a 91-57 blowout of Kansas and a controversial 96-95 victory at Arizona — the Fightin’ Fredettes are 20-6 overall and 11-6 in the rough and tumble Big 12. They’re displaying characteristics of a supreme bracket buster when the Field of 68 is revealed on March 16.
However, before the true MADNESS begins, the Pride of Provo has the concierge — presumably Cosmo — ready to welcome West Virginia to the Marriott Center. Suffice it to say, the hospitality shown won’t earn any JD Powers.
The pick — BYU -8.5 (-110, DraftKings)
The Cougars are cruising offensively. Over the last month according to BartTorvik, they’re No. 7 in effective field goal percentage offense, shooting a blistering 61.3% on 2-pointers and 38.4% on 3s, which account for 48.7% of their shots. Overall, Richie Saunders and rollickers are No. 15 in overall efficiency during the nine-game span, totaling an almost outlandish 1.315 points per possession.
The road has been unkind to West Virginia this season. Sorry Morgantown, but Kevin Pittsnogle isn’t walking through that door.
The Mountaineers are 3-6 straight up away from the Mountain State. Though firmly in the Dance — WVU is a solid No. 10 seed on the Bracket Big Board — it is a hideous No. 278 in effective field goal percentage offense on the road, converting only 28.8% from beyond the arc and 64.5% at the free-throw line. Yuck.
[ Bracket Big Board: Brad Evans' latest NCAA Tournament projections ]
To be fair, WVU has applied a tight grip defensively. Over the last 30 days, it ranks a respectable No. 38 nationally in effective field goal percentage defense, surrendering a mere 0.911 points per possession. Guards Javon Small and Sencire Harris are certifiable ballhawks. Toby Okani and Amani Hansberry also have held their own inside.
BYU went into WVU Coliseum and scored a 73-69 win on February 11. Future NBA point guard Egor Demin shined with 16 points.
Expect a wider margin in the rematch. Despite the home team’s defensive shortcomings — the Cougars are No. 289 in eFG% D over the last 30 days — the Mountaineers’ offensive tepidness and documented road struggles are insurmountable obstacles.
This bettor’s eyes are wide open, Cosmo. In what should be yet another BYU cover, the Zoobies are bound to go bonkers.
Season record: 22-23, -1.58 units