Following a 96-90 overtime loss to Kansas State on Monday, the Mountaineers host Texas Tech at the WVU Coliseum now in the final stretch of regular-season/conference play.
Both teams have lost their last two games as they look to bounce back. Tipoff is set for 6:00 p.m. EST and will be televised on ESPN2.
Our staff gives their prediction for tonight’s game:
Wesley Shoemaker: West Virginia faces a familiar face in Joey Toussaint and Texas Tech. Tech is a very guard heavy team, which based on WVU‘s skill set it could help the mountaineers however, overall, I think Texas Tech just has a lot more to play for right now as far as the NCAA tournament goes and West Virginia just doesn’t. I think Texas Tech comes out in West Virginia keeps it close throughout the game but for the third straight game the opposition pulls away late.
Texas Tech 78, West Virginia 70
Patrick Reneau: With Texas Tech coming to town on Saturday, West Virginia has a tough task at hand. A team that WVU always seems to be going to war against, a matchup that never fails to entertain and be a close matchup. While Texas tech looks to be a lock for the NCAA tournament, they still have an opportunity to improve their seed, while West Virginia looks to play spoiler. The big story is the return of Joey Toussaint, who will most likely be playing with a chip on his shoulder. For West Virginia to win they will need to start off strong in the first half instead of trying to play comeback like they did against Kansas State. With the home crowd behind them, I think West Virginia is able to pull this win out behind a strong game from Kerr kriisa and Jesse Edwards.
West Virginia 74, Texas Tech 67
Ryan Roddy: Following a late comeback and loss in overtime to Kansas State, WVU hosts Texas Tech on Saturday. RaeQuan Battle and Kerr Kriisa played very well against the Wildcats and can keep that strong play rolling against the Red Raiders. Texas Tech has lost their last two games and has scored under 70 points. They are slightly favored over the Mountaineers, but West Virginia plays the best at home and I predict they’ll get out to a fast start on Saturday and be able to hold their lead in the second in a close game.
West Virginia 75, Texas Tech 72
