Huge Big 12 Matchup

The #14 West Virginia Mountaineers will host the #3 Kansas Jayhawks on Wednesday. The opening tip time in Morgantown, West Virginia is slated for 7:00 PM ET. The current college basketball betting odds at Heritage is showing West Virginia as a 1.5-point favorite.

Mountaineers Revenge

West Virginia will be out to atone for a 60-53 loss at Kansas back on 1/4. Despite that defeat, the Mountaineers covered as a 10.0-point underdog.

Point-Spread Red Flag Alert

My antennas rose up quickly when I viewed the opening line in this contest and the subsequent line movement occurring shortly thereafter. According to 5Dimes, Kansas opened as a 1.0-point favorite and in a short amount of time went to +1.5. This movement transpired even with 55% of tickets and 52% of the money being wagered on Kansas. 



Strong Home Court Advantage

West Virginia has gone a perfect 12-0 at home this season and more importantly has covered 7 of its last 8 in Morgantown. During that money-making 8-game stretch at home, the Mountaineers outscored their opponents by an enormous 23.4 points per game. It’s also worth noting, since 2014, West Virginia is 5-1 SU&ATS at home against Kansas.

Unblemished Conference Road Record

The Kansas Jayhawks have gone an impressive 5-0 SU&ATS during conference away games this season. However, all 5 of those wins came against unranked opponents. Kansas has played only 1 true road game this season versus a team which is currently ranked and that came in a 56-55 loss at #15 Villanova. Furthermore, dating back to last season, Kansas is a dismal 1-4 SU&ATS as a conference road underdog.

Final Analysis and Pick

Something must give in light of Kansas’ spotless conference road record and West Virginia being unbeaten at home. When push comes to shove, the strong home court will prevail and my college basketball prediction on this contest will confirm that statement.

Pick: West Virginia -1.5

Ross Benjamin is a top sports analyst and one of the sports industry's most respected handicappers. Follow him on Twitter: @RossBenjamin1 or visit his website at RBWins.com