Score Predictions for West Virginia vs. Cincinnati

Our staff picks tonight's game between the Mountaineers and Bearcats.

The West Virginia Mountaineers (7-13, 2-5) host the Cincinnati Bearcats (14-6, 3-4) Wednesday night, with tip-off is set for 7:00 p.m. and streaming on ESPN+.

Schuyler Callihan: Cincinnati 72, West Virginia 66.

Viktor Lahkin (6'11", 240 lbs) and Aziz Bandaogo (7'0", 235 lbs) may be one of the best big men duos in the league. They're physical, can finish at the rim, and can impact shots at the rim combining to block 2.5 shots per game. Jesse Edwards or not, West Virginia has had trouble scoring in the paint, defending it, and competing on the glass all season long. 

Cincinnati may be making the jump up to high major status, but they have a nucleus that can compete for a top-eight or so finish in the Big 12. West Virginia's confidence has to be wavering at this point and even with this one being at home, I just can't seem to find an angle in this one where they come out on top.

Cincinnati by two possessions.

Christopher Hall: West Virginia 68, Cincinnati 64

West Virginia's frontcourt will be tested by Cincinnati's big men Vikor Lahkin and Aziz Bandaogo. WVU center Jesse Edwards returned to action Saturday versus Oklahoma State after missing nine games with a wrist injury. Naturally, he was not as effective in his first game back, but I suspect he will have more of an impact in game two and forward Pat Suemnick will get back in the groove after only scoring a total of two points in the last two games. 

The Mountaineers have been a different group at home than on the road and I expect that trend to continue. This game will resemble more of an old Big East Battle as points will be tough to come by but the West Virginia guards will out play the Bearcats backcourt.

West Virginia closes out the Bearcats in the final minutes 68-64.

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