West Virginia Mountaineers vs Houston Cougars Picks and Predictions January 29th 2025

Chasing 13th Straight Win, No. 6 Houston Faces West Virginia Challenge

A thrilling double-overtime win at Kansas on Saturday propelled the sixth-ranked Houston Cougars to 12 straight victories and cemented their reputation as a force to be reckoned with in the Big 12. Now, the Cougars (16-3, 8-0 Big 12) turn their attention to a tough road test against the West Virginia Mountaineers (13-6, 4-4) on Wednesday in Morgantown, W.Va.

For Houston, this matchup represents another opportunity to solidify their dominance atop the Big 12 standings, while West Virginia looks to bounce back after two consecutive losses. With both teams eager to make a statement, this game carries significant weight for the trajectory of their seasons.

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Houston’s Remarkable Momentum

Houston’s 92-86 win at Kansas not only extended their winning streak to 12 games but also reaffirmed their status as a top contender in college basketball. Over recent years, the Cougars have built a program that rivals the traditional blue bloods, thanks to head coach Kelvin Sampson’s leadership and the team’s consistent depth and grit.

Sampson, however, is focused on looking forward rather than dwelling on past successes.

“What is it about that game that has anything to do with the next one? (That’s) never been part of my thought process,” Sampson said. “The biggest game of the year for us is West Virginia. The game we just played is in the rearview mirror.”

Houston climbed one spot in the national rankings after the Kansas victory and remains a half-game ahead of Arizona in the Big 12 standings. The Cougars’ depth has been a key factor in their success, with players like Milos Uzan (17 points, nine rebounds, nine assists) and Mylik Wilson (18 points, six rebounds) stepping up when leading scorers L.J. Cryer and Emanuel Sharp struggled against Kansas. This ability to rely on different players to deliver in clutch moments has been instrumental in their winning streak.

The West Virginia Perspective: Fighting for Momentum

West Virginia enters this game looking to regain their footing after a tough stretch. The Mountaineers have dropped four of their last six games, including a 73-60 loss at Kansas State on Saturday, where they fell into an early 17-point deficit and never recovered. Despite the recent struggles, head coach Darian DeVries remains optimistic about his team’s chances.

“This is a good league,” DeVries said. “People have a bad game or two, and you can’t let it turn into four or five. We’re going to … get ready for a huge home game against Houston on Wednesday. I know our guys will be ready to go, and I’m sure our crowd will be ready to go as well.”

Javon Small has been a standout for West Virginia, scoring 22 points against Kansas State—his ninth 20-point performance of the season. His consistency will be crucial for the Mountaineers as they try to break out of their slump. A win against a top-10 opponent like Houston could reignite the momentum they built earlier in the season during a seven-game winning streak.

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The Key to the Matchup

Houston defeated West Virginia 70-54 in their previous meeting on Jan. 15, showcasing their ability to stifle the Mountaineers on both ends of the court. However, playing in Morgantown is a different challenge. West Virginia boasts a passionate home crowd, and their recent win over then-No. 2 Iowa State in Morgantown proves they can rise to the occasion when it matters most.

Sampson isn’t taking West Virginia lightly, recognizing the talent and potential his team will face on Wednesday.

“This team won at Kansas. This team beat Iowa State. This team beat Arizona. I’m a lot more worried about the team than the venue,” Sampson said. “It’s their team that I’m most focused on.”

For Houston, maintaining their defensive intensity and relying on their depth will be crucial. On the other hand, West Virginia must avoid slow starts—like the one that doomed them against Kansas State—and capitalize on their home-court advantage to disrupt Houston’s rhythm.

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What’s at Stake?

• For Houston:
  • A win would extend their streak to 13 games and keep them at the top of the Big 12 standings. It also solidifies their case as a legitimate Final Four contender.
• For West Virginia:
  • A victory would halt their two-game skid and serve as a signature win in a highly competitive conference. It could also be the turning point they need to regain confidence heading into February.

Final Thoughts

The clash between Houston and West Virginia represents two teams at different points in their seasons. Houston’s consistency, depth, and poise under pressure make them favorites, but West Virginia’s home-court energy and desperation to right the ship could make for a tightly contested battle.

One thing is certain: Wednesday’s game will test both teams’ resilience, focus, and ability to perform under the spotlight in one of college basketball’s toughest conferences.