The Iowa State men’s basketball team gets set to take on the Iowa Hawkeyes in Iowa City, Iowa, on Thursday, December 12th, 2024.
Tip-off is set for 6:30 p.m. central. The Cyclones are No. 3 in the Associated Press Top 25. Iowa is unranked.
The Cyclones (7-1) have emerged as one of the best teams in the country, and if it’s possible, they look better than expected. Their only loss so far is to Auburn, and they have two wins over high majors (including Colorado) and a win over one of the top mid-major programs in Dayton.
The Hawkeyes (7-2) keep on ticking with Fran McCaffrey as their coach. But the Hawkeyes have already started Big Ten action and are 1-1, with a win over Northwestern and a recent loss to Michigan.
It’s the Cy-Hawk rivalry game in front of a national TV audience.
Here is a preview of Thursday’s game.
How to Watch Iowa State vs. Iowa
Date: Thursday, December 12th, 2024
Time: 6:30 p.m. CT
TV Channel: FS1
Iowa State vs. Iowa Betting Odds, Lines
Opening Line: Iowa State (-6.5)
Current Line: Iowa State (-5.5)
Over/Under: 159.5
Iowa State vs. Iowa Predictions
Iowa State’s scoring spread is incredible. The Cyclones are scoring 87.8 points and allows 64.8 points per game. Always known as a great defensive team, this is the best offensive team coach T.J. Otzelberger has assembled. The emergence of forward Joshua Jefferson (10.4 ppg, 7.8 rpg) has been a real boost inside for Iowa State.
He’s one of five players averaging double figures, led by guard Keshon Gilbert (17.4 ppg, 5.6 apg). Curtis Jones and Milan Momcilovic are shooting better than 40% from the 3-point line and Momcilovic is at 50%. The offense has not put a dent in ISU’s defensive intensity or production, as the Cyclones are holding opponents to 40% shooting.
Iowa will be one of the better shooting teams Iowa State has faced this season. The Hawkeyes are at 48% from the field. Forwards Owen Freeman and Payton Sandford are averaging more than 16 points per game.
Guard Josh Dix is averaging 13 points. With forward Pryce Sandfort averaging 10 points per game, it’s a forward-heavy lineup, which could provide a unique look for the Cyclones.
Both teams are really good at avoiding turnovers. Iowa averages 10 per game and Iowa State averages nine per game.
One area to watch — while Iowa can match Iowa State’s scoring, the Hawkeyes are giving up nearly nine points per game more than the Cyclones.
Another to watch — Iowa is undefeated at home and Iowa State hasn’t played a true road game.
Iowa State 82, Iowa 75
ESPN Matchup Predictor: Iowa State (68.8% Chance of Winning)
You can find Matthew Postins on Twitter @PostinsPostcard.
