Let the madness continue! After the weekend’s eventful days of First Round action, we’ve got more talented players and potential Cinderella’s ready to dance in Round 2. #5 Kentucky and #4 West Virginia face off Monday in the Women’s Second Round, with the Mountaineers entering as 3.5-point favorites and a total set at 129.5 on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Let’s dive into my prediction and pick for Monday’s Second Round matchup, tipping off at 5:00 p.m. ET.
Kentucky vs. West Virginia prediction
If there’s one thing you need to know about Kentucky, it’s the size. The Wildcats roll out three starters at 6’4” or taller, anchored by star center Clara Strack, and that’s going to matter in a matchup like this. At 6’5”, Strack is a problem on both ends. The junior averaged a 16.9-point, 10.1-rebound double-double during the regular season and has earned high praise from head coach Kenny Brooks for her defensive impact.
She didn’t have her best night in the first round, finishing with just 10 points on 36.3% shooting against James Madison, but Kentucky didn’t need her to carry. The supporting cast stepped up in a big way, with four players hitting double figures. Tonie Morgan led with 18 points, while Amelia Hassett and Jordan Obi chipped in 14 and 12, respectively, in a 71-56 win.
West Virginia, though, is built to make things uncomfortable. This is a defensive machine that thrives on chaos, forcing 21.9 turnovers per game, top 15 in the country. The Mountaineers lean into that identity with a relentless full-court press and nonstop pressure, and it showed in their first-round win over Miami (OH). They routed the RedHawks 82-54, racking up 11 steals and turning defense into 21 points off turnovers. They’ve got balance offensively, too. Four players scored 14+ in that one, with Sydney Shaw leading the way at 19 points and Gia Cooke right behind her with 18. Add in their depth and defensive intensity, and this is a team that’s going to spend 40 minutes trying to speed Kentucky up and force mistakes.
Kentucky vs. West Virginia pick
68% of the bets on DraftKings Sportsbook are backing West Virginia to win, while 32% are riding with the underdog Wildcats. Kentucky’s size is a real advantage, but in a win-or-go-home spot, West Virginia’s defensive pressure and ability to turn turnovers into points make them the more dangerous team.
Lean: West Virginia ML
