Sports Betting Picks

Baylor Bears vs. Kansas Jayhawks – NCAABB Preview – February 3, 2025

The Big 12 continues to deliver high-stakes basketball as the Iowa State Cyclones travel to Lawrence to face the Kansas Jayhawks at the iconic Phog Allen Fieldhouse. With Kansas favored by 2.5 points and the total set at 146.5, this matchup promises both betting intrigue and on-court fireworks. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown to guide your wagering decisions.

Iowa State Cyclones Betting Preview:

Iowa State has built its 2024-25 campaign on a foundation of relentless defense and balanced scoring. Head coach T.J. Otzelberger has cultivated a gritty squad that thrives on pressure defense and transition opportunities. The Cyclones excel at forcing turnovers, ranking among the nation’s leaders in steals and defensive efficiency.

Offensively, Iowa State relies on a committee approach. The backcourt duo of Keshon Gilbert and Tamin Lipsey provides stability, while Milan Momcilovic stretches defenses with his perimeter shooting. The Cyclones aren’t a high-octane offensive team, but their disciplined shot selection and fast-break points keep them competitive.

Kansas Jayhawks Overview:

Kansas, under the legendary Bill Self, remains a powerhouse with a roster rich in talent and experience. The Jayhawks’ offense is dynamic, leveraging quick ball movement and exploiting mismatches. The team’s strength lies in its versatility—capable of running in transition or executing half-court sets with equal efficiency.

Hunter Dickinson anchors the paint with his rebounding and scoring prowess, while Dajuan Harris Jr. orchestrates the offense with precision. The emergence of key role players has added depth, making Kansas formidable on both ends. Defensively, they apply intense perimeter pressure and dominate the glass, crucial factors against Iowa State’s aggressive style.

Key Matchups in Cyclones vs. Jayhawks:

  1. Hunter Dickinson vs. Iowa State’s Frontcourt: Dickinson’s ability to control the paint could dictate Kansas’ offensive flow. Iowa State must find ways to neutralize his impact without compromising their perimeter defense.
  2. Backcourt Battle: The Gilbert-Lipsey duo will face a stiff challenge from Harris and the Jayhawks’ perimeter defenders. Whichever backcourt dictates the tempo could tilt the game.
  3. Turnovers: Iowa State thrives on creating turnovers, but Kansas is disciplined with the ball. This clash of styles will be pivotal in determining extra possessions.

Betting Trends for Iowa State vs. Kansas:

  • Iowa State is strong against the spread (ATS) in conference play, particularly as underdogs. Their defensive intensity keeps games close.
  • Kansas is dominant at home, both straight up and ATS. Phog Allen Fieldhouse is a notoriously tough venue for visitors.
  • The Under has hit frequently in Iowa State’s games, given their defensive style, but Kansas’ scoring ability adds volatility to the total.

Prediction in Big 12 Showdown:

This game shapes up as a classic Big 12 battle: Iowa State’s defense versus Kansas’ balanced attack. The Jayhawks’ home-court advantage is significant, but Iowa State’s gritty defense keeps them in games, even on the road.

Kansas’ ability to protect the ball against Iowa State’s pressure and capitalize on second-chance opportunities via offensive rebounds will be crucial. Conversely, if the Cyclones can force turnovers and convert in transition, they could cover the spread or even pull off an upset.

  • Spread: Lean towards Iowa State +2.5. Their defensive prowess should keep the game within a possession, making the points valuable.
  • Total: A slight lean to the Under 146.5. Iowa State will aim to control the pace, and both teams boast strong defenses that could limit scoring runs.

Expect a tightly contested game, with Kansas edging out a narrow victory but Iowa State covering the spread in a defensive slugfest.

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