As the NCAA Tournament approaches, the No. 16 West Virginia Mountaineers are set to face Columbia in a highly anticipated first-round matchup.
With a strong 14-6 record against Big 12 teams, the Mountaineers have been dominant this season and are looking to make a deep run. Conversely, Columbia has had an impressive Ivy League season, with a 14-2 record, and will look to extend their tournament run. Both teams have high stakes, with West Virginia aiming to build on its strong performance this year and Columbia hoping to prove themselves on the national stage. Can West Virginia’s senior guard JJ Quinerly lead his team past the Lions? Let’s break down this exciting matchup.
West Virginia vs. Columbia Betting Preview
All West Virginia vs. Columbia odds are from DraftKings Sportsbook and are correct as of Friday, March 21, 2025.
- Spread: West Virginia -7.5
- Moneyline: West Virginia -320, Columbia +250
- Over/Under: 131.5 total points
- Game Time: Saturday, March 22, 2:00 p.m. ET
- Location: Carmichael Arena | Chapel Hill, North Carolina
- How To Watch: ESPNews
West Virginia enters this matchup as the clear favorite, favored by 7.5 points. The Mountaineers have been on a roll this season with a high-powered offense that averages 75.9 points per game. Columbia’s solid defense will test this offensive firepower, which has held opponents to just 58.6 points per game, ranking them third in the Ivy League. West Virginia’s guard JJ Quinerly will be key in leading the offense. Averaging 20.6 points per game, Quinerly is in excellent form and is the primary offensive weapon for the Mountaineers.
While coming in as an underdog, Columbia has had a remarkable season, finishing 14-2 in Ivy League play. The Lions have proven they can compete with high-caliber teams, having recorded wins over five NCAA Tournament-bound teams this year. Their defense will be crucial in slowing down West Virginia’s fast-paced attack. Columbia has shown resilience all season, including an 11-game win streak that helped them secure their spot in the tournament.
West Virginia vs. Columbia CSN Winning Probability
West Virginia boasts a strong CSN winning probability of 82%, reflecting their advantage in both offense and defense. This aligns well with the Vegas odds, which have the Mountaineers as the favorites. Columbia’s probability of pulling off the upset is lower at 18%, but their defense could make this a closer contest than expected. If the Lions can slow down Quinerly and control the tempo of the game, they could make a run at the Mountaineers.
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Prediction for West Virginia vs. Columbia
This matchup sees a dominant West Virginia team going up against a well-coached Columbia squad with a solid defense and an efficient offense. The key to this game will be the battle between West Virginia’s high-scoring offense and Columbia’s ability to slow the game down and limit big runs. With Quinerly leading the charge for the Mountaineers, it’s likely that West Virginia will have too much offensive firepower for Columbia to handle. However, don’t count the Lions out; they’ve proven they can hang with top-tier teams this season.
Prediction: West Virginia 70, Columbia 63
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