West Virginia vs. Pitt: How to watch, odds, predictions from ESPN, KenPom

On3 imageby:Alex Weber11/11/22

It’s a the Backyard Brawl but on the basketball court. Tonight, Pittsburgh hosts West Virginia in a monumental opportunity for the Panthers, who look like they could finally finish outside of the bottom three in the ACC. Meanwhile, West Virginia is in the process of melding a huge class of transfers in with what few returners they do have.

Should be more competitive than the past few matchups. For all the relevant info, such as TV channels, tip-times, spreads, predictions, etc. — go ahead and read below.

How to watch

Tip-off: 7 p.m. ET

Location: Pittsburgh, PA

Channel: ACCNX/ESPN+

Vegas odds

West Virginia is a 2.5-point road favorite in the Backyard Brawl. Definitely not a ton of separation between two programs trying to bounce-back after last season. Mountaineers get the nod, though.

ESPN BPI prediction

Predicted Winner: West Virginia

Predicted point differential: 0.4 points

Win probability: 51.3%

Matchup quality: 82.8

ESPN’s College Basketball Power Index (BPI) is a tool that measures team strength and uses that to predict outcomes of future performances. ESPN’s BPI has West Virginia vs. Pittsburgh ranked as the second highest-ranked game on Thursday’s slate in terms of matchup quality.

KenPom prediction

Predicted final score: Pittsburgh 71, West Virginia 70

Win probability: 51% (Pittsburgh)

More on West Virginia vs. Pittsburgh

West Virginia rides a four-game winning streak in the rivalry into tonight’s matchup. But the Panthers have by far their best shot at knocking off the Mountaineers since the start of the losing streak. After years buried at the bottom of the ACC, Pittsburgh may finally get a glimpse of some light this season.

They have a true go-to post scorer in John Hugley and their perimeter is dominated by upperclassman transfers. None of which are stars but all of which are tough, complimentary pieces. This isn’t your typical Jeff Capel Pitt team. He hasn’t finished over .500 in any of his four seasons since taking the Pitt job. But that’s expected to change this season. An upset win over a solid WVU team could be the breakthrough win this program needs.

The Backyard Brawl always delivers, in every sport, and tonight is shaping up to be no different. Should be the most competitive matchup in the rivalry since it restarted in 2017.