West Virginia Mountaineers vs Creighton Bluejays Picks and Predictions for Saturday April 4 2026
The West Virginia Mountaineers and Creighton Bluejays will meet in the College Basketball Crown Semifinals on Saturday, April 4, 2026, at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. Tip-off is set for 4:00 PM, and the game will be televised on FOX. At the time of this writing the odds were not released. This matchup brings together two teams that advanced with strong quarterfinal performances and now sit one win away from the championship game, so be sure to check out our free college basketball picks before locking in any wagers.
West Virginia Looks to Build on Gritty Quarterfinal Win
West Virginia enters this semifinal with a 19-14 overall record and a 9-10 mark in Big 12 play. The Mountaineers advanced in the College Basketball Crown by grinding out an 82-77 overtime win over Stanford in the quarterfinals. Over their last five games, West Virginia has recently won over Stanford, UCF, and BYU while recently losing to BYU and Kansas State. That stretch paints the picture of a team that has been inconsistent at times but has still shown the ability to answer the bell against quality opposition when it matters most.
On the season, West Virginia has averaged 69.6 points per game while allowing 65.1 points per contest. The Mountaineers have shot 44% from the field, pulled down 34.6 rebounds per game, and averaged 12.6 assists. Defensively, they have added 3.0 blocks and 6.4 steals per game, and their season-long points allowed number stands out as one of their more important strengths entering this semifinal. West Virginia is not the more explosive offense in this matchup, but it has consistently relied on defense and effort to stay in games.
The key tournament angle for West Virginia is how it handled pressure in the quarterfinal round. The Mountaineers were pushed into overtime, yet they still found a way to close out the game with poise. Honor Huff led the way with 21 points, while Brenen Lorient paced the team on the glass with 7 rebounds. Even more importantly, West Virginia protected the ball extremely well with only 6 turnovers and shot 85% from the free-throw line. That combination of late-game composure and ball security could be crucial on the short turnaround. The obvious concern is the outside shooting, as West Virginia made only 2 of 20 from three-point range in the last game, but if that number even improves modestly, the Mountaineers could become much more dangerous offensively.
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Creighton Carrying Confidence into Las Vegas Clash
Creighton comes into this semifinal with a 16-17 overall record and a 9-12 record in Big East play. The Bluejays earned their spot in the semifinal by defeating Rutgers 82-69 in the quarterfinals. Across their last five games, Creighton has recently won over Rutgers and Butler while recently losing to Seton Hall, Providence, and DePaul. That makes this tournament run particularly important for a team that had struggled for consistency before turning in one of its cleaner and more efficient performances in the quarterfinal round.
The Bluejays have averaged 75.3 points per game this season while allowing 74.8 points per game. They are shooting 45% from the field and averaging 35.3 rebounds and 15.5 assists per contest. Defensively, Creighton has posted 2.8 blocks and 5.8 steals per game. Their numbers suggest a team that is more comfortable playing at a slightly quicker offensive pace than West Virginia, though they have also been more vulnerable on the defensive end over the course of the season.
Creighton’s biggest tournament-specific angle entering this matchup is the offensive rhythm it found in the quarterfinal win. The Bluejays shot 46% from the field, knocked down 8 three-pointers, and had enough balance to separate after halftime. Nik Graves led the team with 28 points and also added 8 assists, while Jasen Green controlled the interior with 9 rebounds. Creighton also shot 83% from the foul line, which helped reinforce its edge once it created breathing room. The concern is that the Bluejays committed 13 turnovers in that game, and against a disciplined West Virginia team that usually values possessions well, that could become a bigger issue. Still, Creighton’s offensive upside may give it a chance to dictate tempo if it can avoid empty trips.
West Virginia Mountaineers vs Creighton Bluejays Pick
West Virginia Mountaineers vs Creighton Bluejays Spread Pick
- Pick: West Virginia Mountaineers moneyline
West Virginia is the side I prefer in this semifinal because I trust its defensive profile and late-game toughness a bit more. The Mountaineers just came through an overtime battle and still protected the ball at a high level, which matters in a neutral-floor tournament setting. Creighton looked sharp against Rutgers, but West Virginia’s season-long defensive numbers are stronger, and I think that gives the Mountaineers the better foundation in a competitive game. If this turns into a possession-by-possession battle late, West Virginia feels slightly more reliable to me.
West Virginia Mountaineers vs Creighton Bluejays Total Pick
- Pick: Under 149.5
I like the under in this matchup because West Virginia usually plays through defense, and that style can drag the game into a more controlled pace. Even though Creighton just scored 82 points in its quarterfinal, I think this semifinal is more likely to be tighter and more deliberate. West Virginia allows only 65.1 points per game on the season, and its ability to limit clean looks should matter here. I also think the short turnaround can lead to a few slower stretches offensively, which makes the under the better value in my eyes.
Final Score Prediction: West Virginia Mountaineers 74, Creighton Bluejays 70
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