Predictions: Does West Virginia use momentum to beat UCF? – Blue Gold Sports

West Virginia men’s basketball has the chance to have a possible season changing week this week.

While there are two games away from the WVU Coliseum, they are two very winnable games, and if the Mountaineers are able to get a pair of wins, there is a different conversation to be had about this team going forward. None of that matters though if they can’t go get their first road win of the season on Tuesday night against UCF.

Tip-off is set for 7:00 p.m., and the game will be televised on ESPN+.

Our staff gives their predictions for this game

Wesley Shoemaker: To me, this is a very interesting spot for the Mountaineers. THey are coming off their best game of the season, while UCF is coming off arguably their worst. WVU has a lot of senior leadership and guys who know what it takes to get it done, however they have not yet won a road game this season. I want to say they will get it done because I think they realize their potential from Saturday. While I certainly don’t expect 91 points to be scored, I think there is a level of swagger this team is carrying themselves with right now. UCF is last in the Big 12 in scoring since Big 12 play started. If WVU has at least somewhat of an offensive showing in Orlando, they should be in a good spot.

West Virginia 72, UCF 66

Patrick Reneau: Coming off a big win, expectations have a reached a season high for this team. UCF is a good team who also upset Kansas this season, so something will have to give. What helped West Virginia win on Saturday was crashing the offensive glass and not missing many shots, with everyone who touched the floor stepping up when need. I saw the win over Kansas being a huge turning point for this team and I expect them to continue this in Orlando, but it will not be easy as no game in the Big 12 ever is.

West Virginia 78, UCF 73

Ryan Roddy: After my horrendous prediction from last game, I have learned to give West Virginia a bit more credit. However, they haven’t won a game outside of the Coliseum this season. Jesse Edwards could be back, but I don’t know if it’ll make that much of a difference as he’s eased back into the rotation and with Pat Suemnick’s excellent play as of late. UCF played Houston a lot closer than WVU did and they also beat Kansas where they played better defense, holding the Jayhawks to 60. Jaylin Sellers may give West Virginia some problems inside the arc with Darius Johnson a threat from outside of it.

UCF 72, West Virginia 65