Kansas vs West Virginia Prediction 12-31-24 College Basketball Picks

In this article, we will formulate a Kansas vs West Virginia prediction for this College Basketball game on Tuesday, December 31st at Allen Fieldhouse in Lawrence, Kansas. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this College Basketball matchup.

Kansas Jayhawks Betting Preview

The Kansas Jayhawks are 9-2 this year after they defeated Brown by a score of 87-53 in their last game. Kansas led 42-31 at halftime and added 45 points in the second half for the easy win. The Jayhawks shot 50% from the field, 36.4% on three-pointers, and 73.3% on free throws in the game. Zeke Mayo led Kansas with 25 points and eight rebounds, while Hunter Dickinson added 15 points and 13 rebounds in the game. 

Prior to that win, the Jayhawks defeated NC State by a score of 75-60 but did lose to Missouri and Creighton before that. Kansas may have split two of their last four games, but they also have wins against North Carolina, Michigan State, and Duke so far this year. Kansas has scored 79.2 points per game and they have allowed 66 points per game, while also averaging 38.2 rebounds and 18.8 assists per game this season. Hunter Dickinson is averaging 15.5 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game, while Zeke Mayo is averaging 13.5 points, 4.2 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game this season. Kansas is shooting 49.8% from the field, 71.6% on free throws, and 35.5% on three-pointers this year. 

West Virginia Mountaineers Betting Preview

The West Virginia Mountaineers are 9-2 this season after they defeated Mercyhurst by a score of 67-46 in their last game. West Virginia led 35-22 at halftime and only allowed 24 points in the second half for the big win. The Mountaineers shot 48.1% from the field, 26.3% on three-pointers, and 66.7% on free throws in the game. Javon Small led West Virginia with 19 points and seven assists, while Eduardo Andre added 14 points and six rebounds in the win. 

Prior to that game, the Mountaineers won four games in a row against Bethune-Cookman, NC Central, Georgetown, and Arizona. West Virginia only has two losses on the season, which came against Pittsburgh and Louisville. West Virginia has scored 77.5 points per game and they have allowed 63.8 points per game, while also averaging 37.2 rebounds and 14.5 assists per game this season. Javon Small is averaging 19.7 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game, while Tucker DeVries is averaging 14.9 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game this season. West Virginia is shooting 44.2% from the field, 77.8% on free throws, and 35.4% on three-pointers this year. 

Why West Virginia will beat Kansas

• West Virginia has won seven of its last eight games.
• Kansas has lost four of its last five games against the Big 12 Conference.
• West Virginia has won the first half in each of its last four day games.

Total Points Facts

• Each of West Virginia’s last six games against Conference opponents has produced a total of 148+ points.
• Each of Kansas’ last four day games against non-AP-ranked opponents at Allen Fieldhouse have produced a total of 140 or fewer points.

Kansas vs West Virginia Prediction 

Both of these teams come into this matchup with 9-2 records to start the season, but Kansas is ranked #7 in the nation and they will be at home. The Jayhawks have some very impressive non-conference wins on the season, but the losses against Creighton and Missouri aren’t great. West Virginia is looking for their sixth win in a row, which includes an overtime win against Arizona. 

The Mountaineers have played very well defensively so far this year and they are allowing just 63.8 points per game. West Virginia has allowed 61 points or fewer in four straight games, but they are shooting just 44.2% from the field. Kansas is scoring nearly 80 points per game and they are shooting 49.8% from the field this year. The Jayhawks have also been decent on the defensive end, but they did allow 76 points to Creighton and Missouri. This should be a very good game, but I really like how West Virginia has started the season and I like them to keep this game close.