Kansas Jayhawks vs Iowa State Cyclones NCAA Basketball Betting Pick & Prediction 1/15/25
Looking to win big? The Jayhawks and Cyclones face off at 7:00 ET on ESPN2. The Cyclones are hosting the game at Hilton Coliseum in Ames, IA. The over/under for this Big 12 conference contest is set at 144 points, with Iowa State being favored by -5.5 at home against Kansas.
KANSAS JAYHAWKS VS IOWA STATE CYCLONES BETTING PICK
The Pick: Iowa State Cyclones -5.5
This game will be played at Hilton Coliseum at 7:00 ET on Wednesday, January 15th.
WHY BET THE IOWA STATE CYCLONES:
- We have this one finishing with a projected score of 77-69 in favor of the Cyclones.
- Not only will Iowa State pick up the win, but look for them to cover at -5.5.
- The over/under is currently sitting at 144 points, and we like the over with a projected 146 points.
Will the Jayhawks Win in Ames?
Kansas improved to 12-3 on the season with a 54-40 win over Cincinnati on Saturday. The Jayhawks entered the game as +1 point underdogs but covered the spread with the victory.
Trailing 25-24 at halftime, Kansas clamped down defensively in the 2nd half, allowing just 15 points while scoring 30. The game’s total points of 94 fell well below the O/U line of 136.5.
Kansas struggled offensively in their last game, scoring just 54 points with a field goal percentage of 35.3%. Their effective field goal percentage was 36.8%, and they hit only 2 of 21 three-point attempts, shooting 9.5% from beyond the arc.
Inside the arc, Kansas shot 46.8% on two-point attempts, and they grabbed 15 offensive rebounds. Hunter Dickinson contributed 14 points and 12 rebounds, shooting 43.8% from the field and missing all three of his three-point attempts.
Despite giving up 12 offensive rebounds, Kansas held their opponent to just 40 points in their previous game. The Jayhawks’ defense limited their opponent to 30% shooting overall, with a 40% mark on two-point attempts (15/37).
Kansas was particularly effective at defending the three-point line, where their opponent shot just 13% (3/22). The Jayhawks also kept their opponent off the free-throw line, allowing only 2 attempts, of which 1 was made.
Can the Iowa State Offense Score Enough at Home?
Iowa State improved to 14-1 on the season with a narrow 85-84 win over Texas Tech on Saturday. The Cyclones, who were +2.5 point underdogs going into the game, not only pulled off the upset but also covered the spread. The game’s total points of 169 went over the pre-game line of 147.5.
After trailing 40-34 at halftime, Iowa State turned things around in the second half, outscoring Texas Tech 40-34 to secure the win. The Cyclones’ ability to tighten up defensively and execute offensively in the second half was key to their victory.
Iowa State’s offense put up 85 points in their last game, shooting 52.5% from the field with an effective field goal percentage of 57.6%. They hit 59.5% of their two-point attempts (25/42) and connected on 35.3% from beyond the arc (6/17). At the free-throw line, the Cyclones shot 70.8%, making 17 of 24 attempts.
Curtis Jones led the way with 26 points, hitting 3 of 7 from three-point range. Christian Anderson was perfect from deep, going 4 for 4, and finished with 18 points, as did JT Toppin and Chance McMillian. Toppin also grabbed 9 rebounds, while Darrion Williams added 15 points and 6 boards.
Iowa State’s defense struggled, giving up 84 points on 42% shooting from the field. They allowed 19 two-point baskets on 46 attempts, a 41% success rate for the opposition.
From beyond the arc, their opponents shot 45%, hitting 9 of 20 threes. Iowa State also sent them to the line 24 times, where they converted 19 free throws, a 79% clip.