Sports Betting Picks

Iowa State vs Arizona – Big 12 Preview – January 27, 2025

The Iowa State Cyclones travel to Tucson to take on the Arizona Wildcats in a key Big 12 matchup on Monday night at McKale Center. Both teams are near the top of the conference standings, with Iowa State holding a 17-2 overall record and Arizona sitting at 13-6. The Cyclones and Wildcats are separated by just one game in the Big 12 standings, making this contest an important test for both teams.

In their last meeting back in November 2018, Arizona claimed a 71-66 victory over Iowa State. Fast forward to 2025, and both programs are led by successful head coaches. T.J. Otzelberger has elevated Iowa State’s program into a consistent top-tier team, while Tommy Lloyd has kept Arizona competitive despite early-season struggles. Both teams enter Monday night’s matchup with momentum following wins over conference opponents.

Iowa State Preview – Can the Cyclones Stay Dominant?

Iowa State is coming off a convincing 76-61 victory over Arizona State, where Curtis Jones exploded for a career-high 33 points. The Cyclones have been solid on both ends of the floor this season, averaging 84.6 points per game, good for 15th in the nation, while holding opponents to just 40.1% shooting. Jones has been a key player, leading the team with his scoring and aggressive style of play.

Defensively, the Cyclones thrive on forcing turnovers and controlling the glass. Joshua Jefferson continues to make a big impact in the paint, contributing 13 points and 10 rebounds in their most recent game. With a balanced offensive attack and a strong defensive presence, Iowa State has looked sharp, particularly in their dominant second-half performances.

The Cyclones are 4-1 on the road this season and undefeated in Big 12 play at home. However, Monday’s game presents a significant challenge as they face one of the toughest home environments in college basketball.

Arizona Preview – Wildcats Looking to Protect Home Court

Arizona enters the matchup on a hot streak, having won nine of their last ten games, including a 78-63 victory over Colorado. Coach Tommy Lloyd’s squad has benefited from strong play by role players, including Anthony Dell’Orso, who hit six three-pointers and scored 20 points in their latest win. Henri Veesaar has also stepped up, providing scoring and rebounding in key moments.

The Wildcats have been excellent at home this season, boasting a 9-1 record at McKale Center. Arizona’s offense has shown improvement as the season has progressed, averaging 81.3 points per game. However, turnovers remain a concern, and they’ll need to limit mistakes against Iowa State’s aggressive defense.

Arizona’s frontcourt depth, bolstered by the addition of Nick Richards earlier this season, will be crucial in battling Iowa State on the boards. If the Wildcats can dictate the tempo and rely on strong perimeter shooting, they have a good chance to compete against the Cyclones.

Betting Prediction

The betting line favors Arizona slightly, with the Wildcats at -1.5 and the total set at 152.5 points. Iowa State’s road dominance and strong defensive metrics make them an appealing pick, but Arizona’s home-court advantage and recent form cannot be ignored. This game is expected to be competitive from start to finish.

With both teams playing well, the total points may be worth considering. Iowa State’s recent games have leaned toward the under, and Arizona has consistently played lower-scoring games at home. Expect a close game, with Iowa State pulling off the narrow road upset thanks to their balanced attack and ability to force turnovers.

Pick: Iowa State +1.5 and Under 152.5

Related Articles

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *