Colorado vs West Virginia Prediction 1/17/2026 Today’s College Basketball Picks

The Colorado Buffaloes and the West Virginia Mountaineers meet Saturday in college basketball action from the WVU Coliseum. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best bets for this game. Here’s a Colorado Buffaloes vs. West Virginia Mountaineers prediction.

Colorado Buffaloes Recap

The Colorado Buffaloes come into this game looking to rebound from their 77-68 loss at the hands of Cincinnati last time out to sit at 12-5 this season. After this game, Colorado will take on Kansas at home.

Buffaloes Drop Back-To-Back Games

Isaiah Johnson leads the Buffaloes in scoring with 16.1 PPG along with 2.8 RPG and 2.2 APG while Barrington Hargress has 13.6 PPG with 4.6 APG to lead the Buffs in assists this season. Sebastian Rancik has 13.4 PPG with 5.6 RPG and Bangot Dak has 11.4 PPG with 7.7 RPG to cap off the group of double-digit scorers for Colorado this season as the Buffaloes’ top rebounder. Alon Michaeli has 9.6 PPG with 4.8 RPG as well on the year. As a team, Colorado is averaging 84.5 PPG on 48.9% shooting from the field, 36.3% from three and 78% from the foul line this season.

West Virginia Mountaineers Recap

The West Virginia Mountaineers come into this game looking to bounce back from a 77-48 loss at the hands of Houston last time out to sit at 11-6 this season. After this game, West Virginia will head on the road for a game against Arizona State.

Mountaineers Have Two-Game Win Streak Snapped

Honor Huff leads the Mountaineers in scoring with 17.5 PPG while Brenen Lorient has 10.6 PPG with 5.3 RPG. Chance Moore has 12.3 PPG with 5.8 RPG to cap off the group of double-digit scorers for West Virginia so far this season. Jasper Floyd has 7.5 PPG along with 3.3 RPG and a team-high 3.3 APG to lead the Mountaineers in assists and 2 SPG to lead in steals. Treysen Eaglestaff has 9.3 PPG with 4.4 RPG and DJ Thomas has also added 7 PPG this season. As a team, West Virginia is averaging 74.8 PPG on 45.5% shooting from the field, 36.6% from three and 69.1% from the foul line this season. 

Colorado Buffaloes @ West Virginia Mountaineers Betting Trends: January 17, 2026

Why the West Virginia Mountaineers will win

• West Virginia has won each of its last 14 games at Hope Coliseum.
• Colorado has lost each of its last six road night games against Conference opponents.
• West Virginia has won the first half in each of its last 15 games at Hope Coliseum against non-AP-ranked opponents.

Why the Colorado Buffaloes will win

• West Virginia has lost each of its last six Saturday night games.
• Colorado has won seven of its last nine night games.
• Colorado has won the first half in six of its last eight night games.

Total Points Facts

• Each of Colorado’s last 17 games against non-AP-ranked opponents have produced a total of 145+ points.
• Each of West Virginia’s last 13 night games against Conference opponents have produced a total of 142 or fewer points.

Matchup/League Facts

• West Virginia ranks 361st among Division 1 teams for pace this season (63.8).
• West Virginia ranks 7th among Division 1 teams for opponent points per game this season (63.2).
• Colorado ranks 16th among Division 1 teams for free throw percentage this season (78.0%).
• Colorado ranks 27th among Division 1 teams for free throws made per game this season (18.9).

Colorado Buffaloes vs. West Virginia Mountaineers Prediction

I’m on West Virginia here. I get the case to be made for Colorado, as the Buffs have been competitive in some spots, but I think this Mountaineer team is still pretty solid, and I think at the end of the day, WVU is still the far better team in this matchup. All in all I look for the Mountaineers to take care of business and to secure the win and cover on the road here. Give me WVU.

Chris Ruffolo's Pick: West Virginia -5.5