College Basketball Betting: Bears Look To Keep Fighting For Respect Against Mountaineers

Despite some tough losses handled by the Ohio State Buckeyes and Kentucky Wildcats, Perry Jones III and the No. 7 Baylor Bears haven’t been able to earn enough respect to climb in to the top-five just yet, although that could change over the next couple of weeks if they keep on playing as they have. The Bears opened their season with 10 straight wins, and will look to build on that momentum on Friday when they host an underrated opponent in the West Virginia Mountaineers as legitimate sports betting favorites.

West Virginia Mountaineers @ Baylor Bears (7)
Friday December 23, 2011 – 9:00 PM ET
American Airlines Center, Dallas, Texas
College Basketball Betting Line: Baylor Bears – 6.5

The Mountaineers may rank among the most underrated teams in the nation right now, particularly because they aren’t ranked at all.

West Virginia has opened its season with eight wins through its first 10 games, however a tough loss to Kent State and another to Missouri State has kept them off many people’s radar.

College Basketball Betting Preview: West Virginia

Success for West Virginia has begun and ended with the play of senior Kevin Jones all season, and that won’t change as the team’s leading scorer and rebounder prepares for his toughest challenge this year. Jones leads the team with 20.8 points and 11.3 rebounds per game, playing an integral role at both ends of the floor with a double-double average. But for as big of a role as Jones plays for the Mountaineers, he has gotten some help from his teammates, as WVU ranks 23rd in assists per game this season.

College Basketball Betting Preview: Baylor

After escaping a close call against BYU in a 86-83 win last week, the Bears rebounded to blow away Paul Quinn at the American Airlines Center, and now look to extend their win streak before a crucial showdown with current no. 17 Missouri State. Jones III leads the team in points and rebounds with averages of 16.2 and 5.8 respectively, while senior Quincy Acy is another key cog that provides some secondary scoring. The door will be wide open for Baylor to make a legitimate run among the few favorites in the Big 12 according to betonline, and these early wins will only lead to even more confidence and better execution.

College Basketball Betting Preview: Outlook & Pick

The Bears have no reason to slow down anytime soon, especially if they can get past Missouri State in their first challenge from a nationally ranked opponent. The Mountaineers are playing some good basketball but really haven’t been challenged much either, and it will be tough for them to have to play on the road where the crowd is expected to be fired up once again at the American Airlines Arena. West Virginia does deserve to be on the map after a quality start, but they will have trouble against a true contender in this one as 6.5-point underdogs according to the pay head bookies.

College Basketball Betting Pick: Baylor Bears – 6.5