[mofome]

WVU -5.5 vs Pitt 0/u 135 (ESPN)


WVU (Sagarin #24, RPI #41)
20-9
12-10-1 ats
12-2 home
9-14 0/u

Pitt (Sagarin #22, RPI #25)
21-8
13-11 ats
5-6 away
12-12 0/u



The Panthers vs the Mountaineers is one of the more underrated rivalries in the country. These two schools hate each other and tonight they'll be playing for respect and their seeding in the big east tourney. Wagerline shows the public divided evenly on this game with the line sitting at 5.5.

The Panthers aren't making their backers much money of late having lost 4 of their last 5 ats. A big reason for their lack of success has been their lost intensity on defense, Pitt has given up 72, or more, in 4 of their last 5 outings. Whats more troubling is the fact that they've allowed their opposition to hit for 48% or better from the field in recent match ups with Cuse, Marquette, and Cinci.

WVU comes into this game with all the motivation in the world; its senior night, they're playing for a shot at the big dance, Pitt is their most bitter rival, and the last time these two played the Panthers knocked them off with a 3 at the buzzer. For the Mountaineers to get the win tonight they'll likely need big Joe Alexander to put up much better numbers than he managed in round one between these schools. Alexander was only 2 of 11 for 5 points and pulled down 4 boards. In that first meeting West Virginia killed themselves by missing 59% of their FTs and only knocking down 35% from the field.

Looking a bit more into this game you find that WVU has put up 80 plus in each of their last 3 home games and, as mentioned already, Pitt hasn't been playing their typically stingy defense. On the road this season Pitt allows an average of 69.3 points per game while WVU betters 80 a contest at home. The last time these two me the game barely cleared 100 total points, but i think tonight we'll see WVU come out on fire and Pitt will have to try to keep pace. The Panthers allow 45% from the field on the road and I believe they'll be exploited a bit tonight.

my play:
over 135

[The HG]

Good writeup Mofo. I was looking at this game a lot myself, tempted to go for Pitt and the under.

[LT Profits]

Pitt +5.5.

I look for a similar game to last month, when Pitt won 55-54 at the buzzer. The Panthers know how to defend West Virginia, and if the Mounties aren't hitting 3s, they are in trouble. Pittsburgh had been struggling on the road, but hopefully their late comeback win at Syracuse changed all that.

[Sportsgirl]

Pitt +5.5.

I look for a similar game to last month, when Pitt won 55-54 at the buzzer. The Panthers know how to defend West Virginia, and if the Mounties aren't hitting 3s, they are in trouble. Pittsburgh had been struggling on the road, but hopefully their late comeback win at Syracuse changed all that.

Good call, LT. I see this the same and think Pitt wins outright.

[mofome]

Good writeup Mofo. I was looking at this game a lot myself, tempted to go for Pitt and the under.

ty HG, i was leaning towards Pitt with LT and yourself, but i ended up feeling a bit better about the over.

LT, i read your write up and, as usual, it was worth reading.

lvk, i haven't been online in a few days, been missing your stuff. hope you've been winning.

[buztah]

Is Pitt the SBR Jinx play of the day?

[Sportsgirl]

ty HG, i was leaning towards Pitt with LT and yourself, but i ended up feeling a bit better about the over.

[mofome]

i was in the middle of a reply, before i got pulled away, and you had yet to chime in. I love being on the same side as my bundle of sports hotness.

[Sportsgirl]

i was in the middle of a reply, before i got pulled away, and you had yet to chime in. I love being on the same side as my bundle of sports hotness.

That's better.

[mofome]

That's better.

thats what ive been missing over the last few days.

[Sportsgirl]

thats what ive been missing over the last few days.

Well, then, you better stop e-leaving me

btw, this article was well written - much tighter, better focus, more "you" in it. Good job

[WVU]

I like the play over 135. As far as the sides, I would not want to lay 5.5 with this Mountaineer team in a rivalry game. If I was going to go either way, I would take Pitt on the moneyline for the value. If WV wins it will not be a blowout, I am sure of it.

LET'S GOOO MOUNTAINEERS. We need this win.

[mofome]

I like the play over 135. As far as the sides, I would not want to lay 5.5 with this Mountaineer team in a rivalry game. If I was going to go either way, I would take Pitt on the moneyline for the value. If WV wins it will not be a blowout, I am sure of it.

LET'S GOOO MOUNTAINEERS. We need this win.

glad to get your thoughts on this one WVU. let me know if you end up making a play on the total.

[WVU]

I am taking the over 135. It should be a close game and OT could be a factor. Both teams should score close to 70 in this one

[jjgold]

Home courts scare me especially in a home coming game I am going to pass, I have a hunch WVU could blow them out.

[mofome]

mofo

nice write up man I am going with Pitt 5.5, might throw some on the ML and also the over

ty MSG, bol to us

[mofome]

we're at 136

[Wrigley]

Nice write again Mo im on the Over with you

[mofome]

Nice write again Mo im on the Over with you

ty wrigs and congrats on your big win!

[diogee]

Nice write up as always Mofo...staying away from the total. Good luck today.

[mofome]

Nice write up as always Mofo...staying away from the total. Good luck today.

ty Dio and same to you.

[billmunny]

Home courts scare me especially in a home coming game I am going to pass, I have a hunch WVU could blow them out.

That's what scares me on this one, too. It's senior night. WVU needs this one to keep NCAA hopes alive, and WVU lost at the buzzer last time AT Pitt (though Pitt's key injuries may have had something to do with this.)

I'm thinking I'll stay away, too.

[billmunny]

They only have two seniors and one is basically a non factor.

Good lord, you're right. Smalligan averages less than a field goal a game-- as a center.

[Poker_Beast]

Nice write-up MO

Against you today but enjoyed it just the same.

[INVEGA MAN]

I love wvu. They should of won at Pgh which is a tough place to win for a visitor. WVU will be some kind of fired up for this game. I am on wvu

[jjgold]

Home team are very tough now in college hoops