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The college basketball season continues with an electrifying matchup on Friday featuring the West Virginia Mountaineers and the Pittsburgh Panthers. It’s time to delve into our insightful College Basketball odds series for a detailed prediction and pick regarding the upcoming West Virginia-Pitt showdown.
The West Virginia Mountaineers (2-0) are gearing up to face the Pittsburgh Panthers (3-0) in the much-anticipated 191st edition of the Backyard Brawl on Friday night. Scheduled to start at 8:00 PM EST at the Petersen Events Center, this rivalry game is expected to deliver a thrilling exhibition of athleticism and strategy. West Virginia, now under the guidance of head coach Darian DeVries, has shown commendable form with convincing victories over Robert Morris and UMass, powered by Tucker DeVries’ notable contribution of 17.5 points per game. In contrast, Pittsburgh has showcased sheer dominance with a perfect start to their season, propelled by Ishmael Leggett’s outstanding average of 19.7 points and 8.3 rebounds per game. The Panthers’ advantage on their home turf and their balanced offensive play could play a critical role in determining the outcome, but West Virginia’s formidable defense and newly implemented strategies promise a stiff challenge.
College Basketball Odds: West Virginia-Pitt Odds
West Virginia: +7.5 (-115)
Moneyline: +235
Pittsburgh: -7.5 (-105)
Moneyline: -295
Over: 148.5 (-110)
Under: 148.5 (-110)
How to Watch West Virginia vs. Pitt
Time: 8:00 PM ET/5:00 PM PT
TV: ESPN, ESPN+
Stream: fuboTV (Free Trial)
Why West Virginia Will Cover The Spread/Win
The West Virginia Mountaineers are expected to come out strong in the 191st Backyard Brawl against the Pittsburgh Panthers on Friday night. Even as the underdogs, West Virginia has exhibited impressive capabilities in their early games, with a high-scoring offense averaging 81 points per game. Central to their success is Tucker DeVries, whose performance has been crucial, averaging 17.5 points per outing while excelling in rebounds, assists, and steals. The Mountaineers’ balanced attack, in conjunction with their solid defense, which holds opponents to an average of only 64 points per game, positions them well against Pittsburgh’s aggressive offensive style.
The Mountaineers’ proficiency from beyond the three-point arc could serve as a pivotal factor in this contest. Their ability to stretch the floor and create prolific scoring chances may exploit potential gaps in Pitt’s defense, which has shown signs of vulnerability during their prior games. Moreover, West Virginia’s experience in navigating close contests, highlighted by their recent game comeback from a second-half deficit, reveals their resilient nature and capability to contend under pressure. This mental fortitude, combined with the rivalry’s intense atmosphere, may provide the necessary edge for the Mountaineers to achieve an upset victory on the Panthers’ home turf. To succeed, West Virginia must manage the game’s pace, minimize turnovers, and leverage their shooting efficiency, positioning themselves strongly for a significant win in this highly anticipated clash.
Why Pitt Will Cover The Spread/Win
The Pittsburgh Panthers are well-prepared to clinch victory against the West Virginia Mountaineers in this electrifying Backyard Brawl on Friday. Pitt’s advantageous home-court scenario at the Petersen Events Center is expected to exert a considerable influence, as the Panthers have thrived historically in front of their dedicated crowd. Under the strategic leadership of head coach Jeff Capel, the team is projecting confidence and synergy, exemplified by their impressive 3-0 start to the season. Pittsburgh’s diverse offensive structure, spearheaded by the remarkable Ishmael Leggett’s averages of 19.7 points and 8.3 rebounds, presents a formidable challenge for West Virginia’s defense to contain.
Pitt’s depth and seasoned experience will be fundamental during this matchup. Their capacity to generate points from various positions, supported by solid contributions from players like Cameron Corhen and Damian Dunn, unleashes further pressure on opponents. Additionally, Pittsburgh’s strong defensive framework has effectively disrupted opposing offenses in their initial games, suggesting they have the tools to neutralize West Virginia’s offensive rhythm, especially given West Virginia’s evolving game plan under new coach Darian DeVries. The combination of home-court enthusiasm, offensive firepower, and defensive rigor underscores Pittsburgh’s status as the favorite to prevail in this fierce rivalry showdown.
Final West Virginia-Pitt Prediction & Pick
While Backyard Brawl encounters often feature closely contested outcomes, Pittsburgh (-7.5) is anticipated to prevail against West Virginia (+7.5) in this exhilarating confrontation. The Panthers have started the season on a remarkable note, achieving a 3-0 record while showcasing an effective, balanced offensive play centered on Ishmael Leggett’s impressive contributions. The unique advantage of competing on their home court at the Petersen Events Center will surely be a significant factor. Conversely, West Virginia, still adjusting to a new system under coach Darian DeVries, has thus far faced comparatively lighter competition. It’s plausible that the Mountaineers will encounter difficulty matching Pitt’s offensive intensity, especially within the fervent environment of their opponent’s stronghold. Based on their depth, experience, and the energizing support from home fans, Pittsburgh is well-positioned to establish a lead and potentially pull away in the later stages of the game, paving the way for a double-digit victory. Look for the Panthers to cover the spread of 7.5 points with authority.
Final West Virginia-Pitt Prediction & Pick: Pittsburgh -7.5 (-105), Under 148.5 (-110)
How do the playing styles of Tucker DeVries and Ishmael Leggett influence their respective teams’ strategies in this rivalry matchup?
**Interview with College Basketball Analyst, Dr. Sarah Thompson**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us, Dr. Thompson! The upcoming Backyard Brawl between West Virginia and Pittsburgh is generating quite a buzz. What are your initial thoughts on the matchup?
**Dr. Thompson:** It’s my pleasure! This rivalry always delivers excitement, and with both teams coming in strong—West Virginia at 2-0 and Pittsburgh at 3-0—it’s shaping up to be an exhilarating game. The atmosphere will certainly be electric at the Petersen Events Center.
**Editor:** Absolutely! West Virginia seems to be relying heavily on Tucker DeVries, who’s averaging 17.5 points per game. How crucial is his performance for the Mountaineers?
**Dr. Thompson:** Tucker is essential for West Virginia’s success. His ability to score and facilitate plays makes him a dual threat. Plus, he’s contributing on the boards and in defense. If he can maintain that level of play against Pittsburgh’s aggressive defense, it will give the Mountaineers a fighting chance.
**Editor:** On the other side, Pittsburgh’s Ishmael Leggett has been phenomenal, averaging nearly 20 points per game. How does his presence impact this matchup?
**Dr. Thompson:** Ishmael is a game-changer. His scoring and rebounding skills put a lot of pressure on opposing defenses. If he continues to perform at this level, it could expose gaps in West Virginia’s strategy. The matchup between Leggett and DeVries will be particularly fascinating to watch.
**Editor:** Given the rivalry’s history, do you expect any unique challenges for the teams due to the intense atmosphere?
**Dr. Thompson:** Definitely! Rivalry games can lead to heightened emotions, which sometimes results in turnovers or uncharacteristic play. Both teams will need to stay composed under pressure. West Virginia will benefit from their experience in close games, while Pittsburgh has the advantage of home-court support.
**Editor:** With those dynamics in mind, who do you think might have the edge, and what should each team focus on to secure a win?
**Dr. Thompson:** I would lean slightly towards Pittsburgh, but it could go either way. For the Panthers, maintaining their scoring depth and controlling the pace will be key. West Virginia, on the other hand, needs to leverage their three-point shooting and tighten their defense to counter Pittsburgh’s offensive pressure. Ultimately, execution under pressure will be the deciding factor.
**Editor:** Great insights, Dr. Thompson! This matchup promises to be an exciting one, and we can’t wait to see how it unfolds. Thank you for your time!
**Dr. Thompson:** Thank you! I’m looking forward to it as well. Enjoy the game!