Kansas Jayhawks (25-6) vs West Virginia Mountaineers (19-13)
Game Info: Thursday, March 9, 2023 at 3:00 pm (T-Mobile Center)
Betting Odds: Kansas Jayhawks -3.5 -- Over/Under: 149.5 Click Here for the Latest Odds
Where to Watch: ESPN Stream College Basketball all season on ESPN+. Sign up now! 
The West Virginia Mountaineers and the Kansas Jayhawks will meet in Kansas City in the first round of the Big 12 Championship at the T-Mobile Arena on ESPNU.
West Virginia moved to 19-13 after beating Texas Tech in the first round. The Mountaineers controlled the contest, and ended the Red Raiders season with a 16-point win, 78-62. WVU is scoring 76.5 points per game, while allowing 70.8 ppg, while shooting 45.4% from the floor.
West Virginia has played well since a five-game mid season skid, and they’ll look to avenge a two-point February loss to KU here. dropped four of their last five games, and they will likely miss Senior guard Erik Stevenson has put the team on his back down the stretch, scoring 23 points or more in five of the last six games, and he leads WVU in scoring at 15.5 ppg. Senior forward Tre Mitchell scored 20 points in the road loss to Kansas, and he averages 11.5 ppg and a team-lead 5.3 rpg. Veteran guard Kerrigan Johnson scored a team-high 20 points in the first round victory over TTU, and he’s averaging 11.0 ppg.
Kansas moved to 25-6 after losing to Texas in Austin. The Jayhawks were out scored in both halves by the Longhorns en route to a 16-point defeat, 75-59. Kansas is scoring 75.9 points per game, while allowing 67.5 ppg, and shooting 46.5% from the floor.
Kansas had their seven-game win streak snapped by Texas, but they look sharp coming into postseason play. Jalen Wilson posted a 23-point double-double against the Longhorns, and he leads KU in scoring (19.7) and rebounding (8.4). Freshman guard Gradey Dick led the team with 16 points in the road win over WVU, and he’s second on the team at 14.3 ppg. TTU transfer Kevin McCullar Jr. has fit in well in Lawrence, and he’s averaging 11.1 ppg and 7.3 rpg.
WVU is 16-15 against the spread this season, with a 21-10 over/under record. Kansas is 14-17 ATS this year, with a 16-15 o/u record.
West Virginia has come alive late this season, but after competing last night, they might come out a bit sluggish Thursday afternoon against the defending champions. Kansas was sharp themselves to close the regular season, if they’re able to slow Erik Stevenson down, it should come to a matter of how much. I like the manageable margin, so roll with Rock Chalk to cover here.
Corey’s Pick Kansas -3.5
AUTHOR: Corey Ghee
Mitch's Take...
