Oklahoma State vs West Virginia Odds and Picks
- West Virginia Mountaineers close out their regular season schedule by hosting the Oklahoma State Cowboys as betting favorites
- No. 6 West Virginia can clinch second pace in the Big 12 standings with a win, while No. 17 Oklahoma State faces injury concerns in their season finale
- We’ve got you covered with all the odds and trends ahead of Saturday afternoon’s matchup at WVU Coliseum
The West Virginia Mountaineers will be aiming to clinch second place in the Big 12 conference standings with a win, when they host the Oklahoma State Cowboys in Saturday’s regular season finale as 7-point underdogs. The Mountaineers currently sit deadlocked in the standings with Kansas, which has already closed out its schedule, and must win to secure second place, and the No. 2 seed in the Big 12 Tournament. In the wake of a tough 81-70 loss to No. 3 Baylor on Thursday, the Cowboys remain in reach of fourth place, but have work to do to overcome a 1-3 SU run on the road.
Here’s a look at all the odds and trends ahead of this crucial matchup, set for 2:00 pm ET on Saturday afternoon at WVU Coliseum.
Oklahoma State vs West Virginia Odds
| Team | Spread | Moneyline | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oklahoma State | +7 (-110) | +240 | O 149.5 (-110) |
| West Virginia | -7 (-110) | -333 | U 149.5 (-110) |
*Odds taken at FoxBet on 03/05/2021.
Mountaineers Coming Off Big Defensive Performance
The Mountaineers are favored and coming off of a stellar defensive effort in Thursday’s 76-67 win over TCU. WVU limited the Horned Frogs to just 18 points in the first half on its way to the team’s ninth SU win in 12 contests. West Virginia has climbed to No. 6 in the AP Top 25 rankings during their recent steady run. However, the Mountaineers have struggled in recent clashes with nationally ranked teams, with this week’s loss to Baylor dumping them to 5-5 SU on the season.
Highlights from West Virginia's 76-67 victory over TCU on Thursday evening inside the WVU Coliseum!#HailWV | @cocacola pic.twitter.com/Pfzo0i0oJS
— WVU Men's Basketball (@WVUhoops) March 5, 2021
West Virginia has also produced mixed results at home, failing to record consecutive wins while going 4-4 SU in their past eight home dates. They have also been an unreliable bet at home, going 8-10 against the spread in 18 contests since the end of January 2020. Those concerns extend to recent home outings while favored by seven or fewer points, with WVU going 5-7 SU and ATS in their past 12.
Bridges Having an Impact
Despite the Mountaineers struggles to reward sports bettors, they remain an offensive force, averaging over 80 points per game in their past 11 outings to climb to 11th in adjusted offensive efficiency at Kenpom.
Jalen Bridges (12 points, 7 rebounds) was trending last night. pic.twitter.com/aYkfUHtAXt
— Joe Brocato (@joebrowvm) March 3, 2021
Freshman Jalen Bridges has seized the opportunity while playing big minutes in the past two games. The big man dropped 12 points and seven rebounds in this week’s loss to Baylor, and followed up with his first career double-double against the Horned Frogs, tallying game highs with 22 points and 12 rebounds.
Cowboys Look Destined to Finish Fifth
No. 17 Oklahoma State’s efforts to improve their seeding ahead of next week’s Big 12 Tournament took a hit with this week’s loss to the Bears. The Cowboys currently maintain a precarious grasp on fifth place in the conference standings. They sit a half-game ahead of No. 18 Texas Tech, who face Baylor this weekend, and a half-game back of No. 15 Texas, who close things out with a visit to TCU.
UT is currently fourth in the Big 12 standings. Can finish 11-6 with a win over TCU Sunday pic.twitter.com/l32HRBu6qK
— Nick Moyle (@NRMoyle) March 5, 2021
Despite teetering on the verge of being locked into the five-seed, OSU still has plenty to play for. The team is widely projected to be a No. 4 seed at March Madness, and can solidify that position with a strong finish to the regular season, and at least one conference tournament victory.
Injuries Threaten Recent Cowboys Run
While this week’s loss to Baylor was a setback, the Cowboys have otherwise been steady. The team has avoided consecutive SU losses since opening their conference schedule with consecutive defeats, and has also covered in each of their past five outings. OSU has also been a solid bet on the road while pegged as an underdog by seven or fewer points, going 4-2 SU and 5-1 ATS in their past six, capped by last weekend’s 94-90 victory over the Oklahoma Sooners as 6-point underdogs. The Cowboys have also earned the win in three of their past four visits to West Virginia, all as betting underdogs.
Cade Cunningham update, per source:
Sprained ankle. Will receive treatment today and will re-evaluate tonight/tomorrow. Questionable tomorrow at West Virginia.
— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) March 5, 2021
However, much will hinge on the health of leading scorer Cade Cunningham. The freshman star has been spectacular of late, averaging 24 points per game over his past five outings, but was forced to leave Thursday’s game with an ankle. If the Cowboys are forced to hit the court without Cunningham or injured guard Isaac Likekele, it is likely to be a long afternoon for the OSU faithful.
The Picks: Mountaineers -7 (-110); OVER 149.5 (-110)
Daniel has been writing about sports and sports betting for over 23 years. The seasoned pro has contributed to the likes of Sports Illustrated, Sportsnet, NESN, Bleacher Report, OddsShark, the Globe and Mail, and The Nation magazine.
