What ESPN BPI Says About WVU’s Chances of Upsetting No. 2 Iowa State

On By Littum

The scene is set for a special night in Morgantown; now it’s up to the Mountaineers to deliver. West Virginia will pay tribute to the late great Jerry West with throwback uniforms, videos highlighting his career and life, while fans will receive a commemorative pennant.

Can they come through in honor of The Logo?

West Virginia Mountaineers mascot. Credit: Ben Queen-Imagn Images

Ben Queen-Imagn pictures

According to the ESPN Basketball Power Index (BPI) matchup predictionWest Virginia has a 29.4% chance to pull off the big upset, while Iowa State has a 70.6% chance to walk out of Morgantown with a win.

While I don’t expect the Mountaineers to pull out a win, I’m a little shocked that their chances of winning this game aren’t a little higher. The WVU Coliseum is a tough place to play, and with it being a sellout crowd and Jerry West Day, the building will be rocking. This bunch has thrived in the underdog role this season and there is reason to believe they could shock the world again.

West Virginia University guard KJ Tenner.

West Virginia University guard KJ Tenner. / Christopher Hall – West Virginia at SI

The Mountaineers went 1-1 on their two-game road trip, picked up a win over Colorado and fell short of the No. 10 Houston. WVU held a double-digit lead for much of the game against the Buffs, but saw that comfortable lead slip away as they tired in the second half. If it weren’t for Houston knocking over pretty much everything they threw at the rim in the first half, WVU might have had a chance to knock off the Cougars as well.

Iowa State Cyclones forward Brandton Chatfield. Credit: Reese Strickland-Imagn Images

Reese Strickland-Imagn Photos

Earlier this week, Iowa State beat Kansas at home, winning 74-57. They clamped down on Kansas’ offense with Zeke Mayo the only Jayhawk to reach double figures. Kansas turned the ball over 17 times, resulting in 23 points for the Cyclones. Last Saturday, Iowa State got out of Lubbock with an 85-84 overtime win over Texas Tech.

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