Hoyas faltering at the finish

When Georgetown (19-8, 12-11 ATS) is at their best, it can literally beat any team in the country. When the mental aspect is off-kilter, unsightly performances are the norm rather than an aberration, similar to what happened at home in loss to Notre Dame 78-64, their third loss in four games.

Though this subject has been beaten to death here and other places, the lack of spark off the bench has never helped ignite the Hoyas out of lethargic play or for other reasons. Against the Irish, leading scorer Austin Freeman was battling the flu and scored a season-low five points, with no help in sight. Georgetown better bring the energy to Morgantown or they tumble to 11-26 ATS against Big East foes the last two campaigns.

It’s not easy what to make of West Virginia (22-6, 11-16 ATS), being similar to other clubs coach Bob Huggins had at Cincinnati. With the available talent, an Elite 8 showing or better is possible, but when Mountaineer players are clanging hoists off the rim, a second round NCAA Tournament upset appears just as likely. Though the Big East is rugged enough, Georgetown is the right opponent to test West Virginia, since they are 8-2 ATS this season off a spread loss.

The Mountaineers off their come from behind home win over Cincinnati 74-68 is 33-13 ATS on their own floor off a home triumph and is a 5.5-point favorite over Georgetown with a total of 138 at DiamondSportsbook.com. Georgetown’s lack of scoring in last outing had them falling below the oddsmakers number and they are only 4-19 ATS after one or more Under’s over the last two seasons. The Hoyas are 21-9 UNDER after a loss by 10 points or more and West Virginia is 14-3 UNDER at home after a win by six points or less.

This final Big Monday, Big East matchup begins at 7:00 Eastern and has West Virginia 6-0 ATS after failing to cover the spread in two or more games this season, winning by 17 points per contest.