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Free Picks: West Virginia vs. Baylor Gambling Lines & Handicapping Preview

NCAAB Betting? Mountaineers vs Bears Predictions

The Phillips 66 BIG 12 tournament quarterfinal gives us the number 18 West Virginia Mountaineers against the number 16 Baylor Bears in Kansas City, Missouri. Cappers Picks provides free NCAA basketball handicapping tips all season long.

Big 12 quarterfinal action takes place Thursday afternoon between two teams who look to have at least an at large bid locked up for the NCAA tournament.

NCAA Basketball Odds

#18 West Virginia Mountaineers (23-8) vs. #16 Baylor Bears (23-8)
Thursday, March 12th
12:30 PM ET
Sprint Center (Kansas City, Missouri)
ESPN2
NCAA Basketball Betting Lines: Baylor -3
NCAA Basketball O/U: OFF
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However, while both teams want to make sure they leave no doubt, they’re also fighting to grab a quality win that could improve their overall seeding come tournament time.

West Virginia

The Mountaineers have proven they are one of the toughest teams in the Big 12. With wins over 4 ranked opponents thus far, a 5th victory against the #16 team in the country would help solidify what is an already impressive resume.

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That being said, West Virginia stumbled in both meetings with Baylor this season. With revenge on their minds, the Mountaineers will look to avoid the season sweep.

West Virginia is led by Senior G Juwan Staten and Sophomore F Devin Williams. Staten has led the charge in terms of scoring for West Virginia as the Senior averages 14.5 points a game. He only dropped 6 points in the 1st meeting with Baylor and did not play in the 2nd contest.

Sophomore F Devin Williams is scoring 11.1 points a game to go along with 8.2 rebounds. Williams dominated the paint in the first meeting with Baylor going for 20 points and 15 rebounds. However, in the 2nd meeting, Williams scored just 4 points.

West Virginia will need both players to step up if they hope to grab another win over a ranked opponent.

The Mountaineers are 5-0 in neutral sight games this season.

Baylor

The Bears finished the regular season strong winning 5 of their last 6 with two of those coming against top 20 opponents. Baylor will look to add to their 5 wins against ranked teams with their 3rd win over West Virginia this season.

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In the first meeting, Baylor went into West Virginia and dominated the Mountaineers right from the opening tip. In the end, Baylor walked away with an 18 point win.

The second go round with West Virginia was almost as easy. Baylor cruised to a 12 point victory over West Virginia on their home floor.

The main reason for the Bears’ success thus far has been thanks in large part to Junior F Rico Gathers. The forward is averaging a double-double on the season with 11.6 points and 11.7 rebounds. Gathers dropped in 17 points and grabbed 10 rebounds in the latest win over West Virginia.

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On the season, the Bears are just 1-1 in neutral sight contests.

NCAA Basketball Trends:

  • Mountaineers are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.
  • Mountaineers are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games overall.
  • Bears are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games vs. a team with a winning S.U. record.
  • Bears are 8-3-1 ATS in their last 12 games following a ATS loss.

Big 12 Tournament

The key factor here may be Mountaineer G Daxter Miles. Miles has picked up the slack as West Virginia has seen G Juwan Staten battle injuries. Over his last 4 games, Miles has averaged 15.3 points.

Free 4* NCAA Basketball Pick: West Virginia +3

It’s extremely tough to beat a team 3 times in one season.

West Virginia 77, Baylor 70

Regardless whether or not Staten plays, the Mountaineers have revenge on their mind and come away an outright winner.

Check out our Updated College Hoops Betting Odds.

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By Tony M

Tony is new to Cappers Picks and has been betting on sports since the first day he turned 18. He is a 22 year old Cleveland native who lives and breathes Indians baseball. His dream is to be part of a championship celebration at the corner of Carnegie and Ontario.