The Iowa State Cyclones and the Colorado Buffaloes tip off Big 12 Conference men’s basketball action on Monday, Dec. 30, in Boulder, Colo.
Tip-off is set for 8 p.m. central on CBS Sports Network. The Cyclones (10-1) have been nationally ranked all season while the Buffaloes (9-2) are unranked.
The Cyclones are the best team in the Big 12 right now, as they have built an offensive attack the equal of its notoriously stifling defense. Entering the week they are the highest-ranked Big 12 team in the AP Top 25.
The Buffaloes are playing their first Big 12 game since their return to the conference this year. After losing three players to the NBA Draft, coach Tad Boyle has quickly flipped his team into a winner.
Here is a preview of Monday’s game.
How to Watch Iowa State vs. Colorado
Date: Monday, December 30, 2024
Time: 8 p.m. CT
TV Channel: CBS Sports Network
Site: CU Events Center, Boulder, Colo.
Iowa State vs. Colorado Betting Odds, Lines
Opening Line: Iowa State -9.5
Current Line: Iowa State -9.5
Over/Under: 145.5 (Opened at 147)
Iowa State vs. Colorado Predictions
For the first three years of Iowa State coach T.J. Otzelberger’s career it’s been all about the defense. ISU’s unit was one of the best in the country. And, this season, it still is.
But now the Cyclones have an offense to match, as both sides of the basketball are ranked in the Top 10 in KenPom.
A whopping six players are averaging double figures entering conference play — Keshon Gilbert (16.5 ppg), Curtis Jones (16.0 ppg), Joshua Jefferson (11.6 ppg), Milan Momcilovic (11.6 ppg), Dishon Jackson (11.0 ppg) and Tamin Lipsey (10.1 ppg).
Jefferson and Jackson have given the Cyclones a great one-two punch in the paint and have combined for nearly 14 rebounds. They’re the biggest difference from last year’s team, a quality interior offensive presence.
Boyle had to work the portal and the recruiting trail to remake his team, including brining in a Division II transfer. So far, it’s worked.
Julian Hammond III leads the Buffs with 13.1 points per game. Elijah Malone (12.0 ppg) and Andrej Jakimovski (11.2 ppg) are also averaging double figures. The Buffs are a quality shooting team but a bit light on rebounding and shot-blocking. Finding a way to match Iowa State inside will be key to Colorado staying in the game.
Iowa State 81, Colorado 74
ESPN Matchup Predictor: Iowa State (80.7% Chance of Winning)
Odds Shark: Iowa State 82, Colorado 69
You can find Matthew Postins on Twitter @PostinsPostcard.
