UMass vs West Virginia Prediction College Basketball Picks 11/8/24

The UMass Minutemen are visiting the West Virginia Mountaineers on Friday, November 8th at the WVU Coliseum. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best bets for this game. Here’s a UMass Minutemen vs. West Virginia Mountaineers Prediction.

West Virginia Mountaineers Preview

The West Virginia Mountaineers are coming off a disappointing 9-23 season, finishing last in the Big 12 with a 4-14 record. The Mountaineers had a balanced 9-9 home record but were terrible on the road, going winless with 0-9. West Virginia was 12-19 against the spread and 16-15 in over/under.

In their season opener on Monday, the Mountaineers won Robert Morris at home, 87-59. West Virginia managed to cover the -18.5-point spread and the game went over the 143.5-point total. The Mountaineers’ 87 points were 126th in the nation, while their 59 points allowed were top-100 (88th). West Virginia was very effective in shooting from the field with 55% while holding Robert Morris into just 32%.

West Virginia had a team offensive effort as they had five players in double-digit scoring. Senior guard Tucker DeVries had 18 points and 4 rebounds, while senior guard Javon Small added 15 points and a team-high 5 assists. West Virginia will take on Pittsburgh after this one.

UMass Minutemen Preview

The UMass Minutemen enter the season following a 20-11 record, finishing 4th in the Atlantic 10 with an 11-7 conference record. UMass had a dominating 13-3 home record with 11-5 ATS while finishing 4-6 on the road with 7-6 ATS. The Minutemen were 18-12-0 ATS and 15-15-0 in over/under.

In their season opener on Monday, the Minutemen won New Hampshire at home, 103-74. UMass managed to cover the -17.5-point spread and the game went over the 147.5-point total. The Minutemen’s 103 points scored were 27th in the nation but their 74 points allowed were just 215th. They shot with an efficient 53% from the field while holding New Hampshire at just 38%.

Senior guard Rahsool Diggins led UMass’ offense with a game-high 26 points and 3 assists. Freshman forward Akil Watson added 14 points and 3 rebounds. UMass will face LA Tech and Hofstra following this game.

Why the West Virginia Mountaineers will win

• West Virginia has won 32 of its last 37 games against non-conference opponents at WVU Coliseum.
• West Virginia has won the first half in 39 of its last 45 night games against non-conference opponents at WVU Coliseum.

Why the Massachusetts Minutemen will win

• West Virginia has lost seven of its last eight night games against non-conference opponents.
• Massachusetts has won each of its last five night games.
• Massachusetts has won the first half in seven of its last eight night games against non-AP-ranked opponents.

UMass Minutemen vs West Virginia Mountaineers Prediction

Both teams are tied 1-1 in wins in their two previous meetings, with UMass winning the most recent one last season by 87-79 on the road, not covering the spread. In this UMass Minutemen vs. West Virginia Mountaineers Prediction, West Virginia is coming as a -9.5-point home favorite. West Virginia is projected as a strong #72 in the nation this season, while UMass is projected at #94. West Virginia was extremely weak last year and it remains to be seen how much they improved. UMass was solid in their opener and their star player Rahsool Diggins looked like he was in for a strong season. I trust UMass to keep this one close and cover the spread.