Iowa State Cyclones vs Iowa Hawkeyes NCAA Basketball Betting Pick & Prediction 12/12/24
The Cyclones and Hawkeyes are set to face off at 7:30 ET on FS1. The Hawkeyes will host the game at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City, IA. Iowa State is favored by -6 in this non-conference showdown. The game’s over/under is currently at 160 points.
IOWA STATE CYCLONES VS IOWA HAWKEYES BETTING PICK
The Pick: Iowa Hawkeyes +6
This game will be played at Carver-Hawkeye Arena at 7:30 ET on Thursday, December 12th.
WHY BET THE IOWA HAWKEYES:
- We have this one finishing with a projected score of 76-69 in favor of the Hawkeyes.
- Not only will Iowa pick up the win, but look for them to cover at +6.
- The over/under is currently sitting at 160 points, and we like the under with a projected 145 points.
Is a Win at Iowa City Possible for the Cyclones?
Iowa State improved to 7-1 on the season with a dominant 100-58 win over Jackson State on Sunday. The Cyclones were heavy favorites at -36 and covered the spread, while the game’s total points of 158 exceeded the O/U line of 145.5.
Leading 46-24 at halftime, Iowa State continued to pour it on, scoring 54 points in the 2nd half while allowing 34.
Iowa State’s offense was firing on all cylinders in their last game, putting up 100 points with a field goal percentage of 50.7% and an effective field goal percentage of 59.7%. They hit 11 threes at a 39.3% clip and were strong inside, shooting 59% on two-pointers. The Cyclones also connected on 72.4% of their free throws, going 21-of-29 from the line.
The Cyclones dished out 26 assists and grabbed 15 offensive rebounds. Dorian McMillian led the way with 20 points, despite shooting just 36.4% overall and from three. Curtis Jones added 19 points, hitting 5-of-10 from deep, while Milan Momcilovic knocked down 4-of-6 threes, finishing with 18 points. Dishon Jackson was perfect from the field, going 4-for-4 for 17 points.
Despite giving up 58 points, Iowa State allowed their opponent to shoot 50% from the field, including 59% on two-point attempts. From beyond the arc, the Cyclones’ defense saw their opponent hit 11 threes on 39% shooting.
At the free-throw line, Iowa State’s opponent went 21/29, shooting 72%. The Cyclones also gave up 15 offensive rebounds in the game.
Will Iowa Come Through as Home Underdogs?
Iowa dropped to 7-2 on the season after an 85-83 road loss to Michigan on Saturday. The Hawkeyes were +9.5 point underdogs going into the game, but they managed to keep it close, covering the spread.
After trailing 40-37 at halftime, Iowa scored 46 points in the 2nd half while allowing 45. The total points for the game reached 168, surpassing the over/under line of 159.5.
Iowa’s offense put up 83 points in their last game, shooting 41.6% from the field and 33.3% from beyond the arc. Their effective field goal percentage was 46.8%, and they struggled at the free-throw line, hitting just 58.8% of their attempts.
Vladislav Goldin led the way with 20 points and 11 rebounds, shooting 75% from the floor. Payton Sandfort added 19 points, knocking down 4 threes on 10 attempts, while Tre Donaldson contributed 18 points and 5 assists, hitting 2 of 3 from deep.
Despite Iowa’s defensive struggles, they allowed 85 points on 55% shooting from the field. The Hawkeyes were particularly vulnerable inside, giving up 73% on two-point attempts, with the opposing team hitting 28 of 38 shots.
From beyond the arc, Iowa’s defense held the other team to 20% shooting, as they made just 4 of 20 three-point attempts. However, Iowa sent the opposing team to the free-throw line 22 times, where they converted 17 free throws at a 77% rate. The Hawkeyes also allowed 11 offensive rebounds.