The Iowa State Cyclones (12-4, 2-2 Big 12) travel to Texas Tech to take on the No. 8 Red Raiders (15-1, 4-0 Big 12) in a matchup that pits phenomenal offense against tremendous defense. The game starts at 9 p.m. ET on Wednesday, January 16, 2019, and will air on ESPNU.
Iowa State Cyclones at Texas Tech Red Raiders Betting Prediction
The Cyclones are hoping for a better outcome after their 58-57 loss to the Kansas State Wildcats in their last game. Kansas State won the rebounding battle. The Wildcats had 13 offensive rebounds and 39 total rebounds, while the Cyclones had seven and 31, respectively. Nick Weiler-Babb led Iowa State in scoring with 11 points on 3-for-8 shooting.
In the Red Raiders’ previous game, they defeated the Texas Longhorns, 68-62. The Red Raiders made 13 of their 17 free throws (76.5 percent), while the Longhorns had a turnover percentage of 18.2 (above their season average of 14.7). Matt Mooney was the game’s high scorer with 22 points on 8-for-10 shooting from the field.
After splitting two games last season, these teams will meet for the first time this year. In the most recent matchup, the Red Raiders won 76-58. The Red Raiders had a much better turnover percentage (11.8 vs. 18.9) and had a better free throw rate (0.271 vs. 0.175).
This matchup figures to be low-scoring as two of the country’s best defenses battle. Texas Tech ranks first in defensive efficiency (79.7) and Iowa State is 42nd (93.8). Additionally, the Cyclones commit the 19th-fewest errors in the NCAA (turnover percentage of 15.5 percent), while the pesky defense of the Red Raiders causes the 10th-most (opponents’ turnover percentage of 24.9 percent).
Iowa State Cyclones vs. Texas Tech Red Raiders Pick
College Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – Texas Tech, ATS Winner – Iowa State, O/U – Over
Click Here to Start Betting Today!
Notes
Betting Notes:
Iowa State ranks 94th in three pointers attempted per game (24.4) while Texas Tech ranks 264th (17.6).
The Cyclones rank seventh in steals allowed per game (4.6) while the Red Raiders rank 107th (6.4).
Texas Tech ranks second in assists allowed per game (8.6) while Iowa State ranks 95th (12.6).
The Red Raiders rank 36th in rebounds allowed per game (31.8) while the Cyclones rank 84th (33.7).
Texas Tech ranks 14th in blocks per game (5.4) while Iowa State ranks 34th (4.6).
Bettings Trends:
The Cyclones’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 13.4, down from 15.2 for the season.
During their last five games, the Red Raiders have scored an average of 66.0 points per game (6.7 below their season average) and allowed an average of 56.6 points per game (2.6 above their season average).
+++++
