SharpBetz
NCAAB

19 BYU Cougars vs West Virginia Mountaineers

Saturday, February 28, 2026

Matchup Analysis

This NCAAB matchup features No. 19 BYU Cougars (20-8 (13-3)) traveling to take on West Virginia Mountaineers (16-12 (13-3)) at WVU Coliseum, Morgantown, WV. The BYU hold a clear statistical edge this season, outperforming the West Virginia by 5.3 points per game in scoring margin. That differential will be a key factor in this matchup. West Virginia averages 69.5 points per game, but they face a BYU defense that holds opponents to 75.1 PPG. The visitors' defensive prowess could limit the home team's scoring output. The BYU offense puts up 85.5 PPG and faces a West Virginia defense allowing 64.5 PPG. The visitors have the offensive firepower to stay in this one. Home court advantage is worth approximately 3.5 points in NCAAB, and West Virginia will look to leverage their home crowd. Our model sees this as essentially a coin-flip game, projecting just a 0.0-point margin. Expect a tight finish. The 68% confidence interval ranges from West Virginia winning by 13 to losing by 13. The market has this game at +2.5, but our model sees value on West Virginia with a 2.5-point edge. Our line: West Virginia +0.0. Combined with the total projection of 155 versus the market line of 141.5, there are opportunities to find value on both sides of this matchup.

Team Comparison

BYU BYU
Stat
WVU West Virginia
20-8 (13-3)
Record
16-12 (13-3)
Last 10
85.5
PPG
69.5
75.1
Opp PPG
64.5

Current Odds

Team Moneyline Spread Total
BYU BYU Cougars
-135 -2.5 O 141.5
WVU West Virginia Mountaineers
+114 +2.5 U 141.5
Source: Draft Kings Updated: Feb 28, 5:04 AM
Opening line: +2.5 / O/U 141.5

Model Projection

Team Moneyline Spread Total
BYU BYU Cougars
-108 0 O 155
WVU West Virginia Mountaineers
+108 0 U 155
Source: Model Updated: Feb 28, 5:44 AM

Our Picks

Spread
West Virginia (opened at +2.5)
52% Confidence

Play to -0.7

Total
Over (opened at 141.5)
77% Confidence

Play to 154.2

Recent Trends

West Virginia enters at 16-12 (13-3), hovering around the .500 mark. They've shown flashes of strong play but haven't been able to sustain consistency. At home, they'll look to put together a complete performance and build momentum. BYU comes in with an impressive 20-8 (13-3) record. They've been among the best teams in their conference and are playing with the confidence of a squad that expects to win. Road games can be tricky, but this team has the poise to handle hostile environments. When these teams meet, the home team typically has the edge given the crowd advantage and familiarity factor. The team that controls tempo and limits turnovers will likely dictate the outcome of this matchup.

Matchup Edges

West Virginia

Advantages

  • Home court advantage and crowd support
  • Elite defense allowing just 64.5 PPG
  • Familiarity with home venue and routines

Disadvantages

  • Potential for inconsistency in key moments

BYU

Advantages

  • Strong 20-8 (13-3) overall record this season
  • Potent offense averaging 85.5 PPG
  • Ranked #19 nationally — proven quality

Disadvantages

  • Playing on the road without home crowd support
  • Defense allows 75.1 PPG — exploitable

More NCAAB Picks for Saturday, February 28, 2026