Posted on 1/10/2008 5:48:54 PM

NCAA Basketball Betting – West Virginia at Louisville

By Eric Williams

The West Virginia Mountaineers, (11-3 SU, 5-3 ATS, 3-5 O/U) surprised a solid Marquette squad on Sunday, handily beating the Golden Eagles 79-64 at home to end a two-game losing streak.

The Louisville Cardinals, (10-4 SU, 4-8 ATS, 4-8 O/U) also picked up a victory in their last contest, routing Kentucky on the road 89-75 on Saturday after losing to a mediocre Cincinnati team 58-57 on New Year’s Day.

The Mountaineers are one of the nation’s best offensive teams, averaging 83.3 points per game on 48.4 percent shooting while allowing just 61.3 points per game on 39.2 percent shooting.

The Cardinals are averaging 72.0 points per game on 44.1 percent shooting while allowing a miniscule 60.0 points per game on 37.8 percent shooting.

West Virginia is led in scoring by athletic swingman Alex Ruoff, (16.4 ppg) while the Cardinals have five players averaging in double figures, led by junior forward Terrence Williams, (12.6 ppg).

Here is a look at tonight’s Key Trends, followed by my NCAA Basketball Betting Free Pick:

Key Mountaineers Trends

The Mountaineers are 4-1 ATS in their last five road games vs. a team with a home winning percentage of greater than .600.

The Mountaineers are 8-2 ATS in their last ten games vs. a team with a winning percentage above .600.

The Mountaineers are 4-1 ATS in their last five road games vs. a team with a winning home record.

Key Cardinals Trends

The Cardinals are 11-3-1 ATS in their last 15 vs. Big East.

The Cardinals are 5-2 ATS in their last seven Thursday games.

The Cardinals are 6-20-2 ATS in their last 28 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.

Key Totals Trends

The Over is 5-1 in Mountaineers last six Thursday games.

The Over is 5-2 in Mountaineers last seven games following an ATS win.

The Under is 4-0 in Cardinals last four games following a S.U. win.

The Under is 4-0 in Cardinals last four home games.

Key Head-to-Head Trends

There are no trends available.

Analysis: This game is a really tough call because both teams are nearly evenly matched, though West Virginia is a bit more experienced that the young Cardinals. I say take West Virginia to cover the spread and likely win outright on the road.

NCAAB Free Picks: West Virginia +2.5 Points

07:00 PM EST NCAA Basketball Odds

West Virginia +2½ -110

Louisville -2½ -110

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