The Iowa State Cyclones (9-2) look to extend their nine-game winning streak against the Kansas State Wildcats (10-2) at James H. Hilton Coliseum. The game can be seen on ESPNU at 9 p.m. ET on Friday, December 29, 2017.
The game’s Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 144 points with Iowa State opening as a 2-point favorite.
Kansas State Wildcats vs. Iowa State Cyclones Free Prediction
The Wildcats come in on a high note after narrowly defeating the Washington State Cougars in their last game, 68-65. The Wildcats made 14 of their 19 free throws (73.7 percent) and held the Cougars to an offensive rebounding percentage of 24.4 (below the 31.7 mark opponents have averaged against Kansas State this season). Kansas State received a boost from Barry Brown, who was the team’s leading scorer with 23 points on 8-for-17 shooting.
In the Cyclones’ last matchup, they beat the Maryland Eastern Shore Hawks, 55-49. Iowa State’s 0.490 effective field goal percentage was their biggest advantage over Maryland Eastern Shore, who had a rate of 0.331. The Cyclones’ mark was below their season average of 0.520, while the Hawks’ was below their season average of 0.411. With seven points, 12 rebounds and six assists, Iowa State’s Nick Weiler-Babb had a good game.
Kansas State could put on a ball-control clinic in this contest. Kansas State ranks 24th in the NCAA at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 15.9 percent), while Iowa State forces the 83rd-fewest turnovers (17.9 percent).
Kansas State is 10-2 straight up (SU), but they have a hard time covering the spread (2-7 against the spread (ATS)). Wildcats games have a tendency to finish under the total (55.6 percent).
Iowa State has an excellent 9-2 SU record, but they are just 3-5-1 ATS. Contrary to Kansas State, games including the Cyclones tend to go over the total (55.6 percent).
After the Cyclones won both meetings against the Wildcats last season, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. In the last game, Iowa State won 87-79. Iowa State did a great job of getting and making free throws (22-26; 84.6 percent). Kansas State, meanwhile, had a much better turnover percentage (9.6 vs. 16.2).
Kansas State Wildcats vs. Iowa State Cyclones ATS Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Iowa State, ATS Winner – Iowa State, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
Kansas State is 1-4 ATS on the road with 3 unders and 2 overs.
Iowa State is 1-2-1 ATS at home with 2 overs and 2 unders.
Kansas State ranks 42nd in rebounds allowed per game (31.8) while Iowa State ranks 163rd (35.5).
The Wildcats rank 41st in steals per game (8.0) while the Cyclones rank 151st (5.5).
Kansas State averages 23.0 three pointers per game, which ranks 116th in the NCAA. Iowa State ranks 223rd in three pointers allowed per game (25.5).
The Wildcats rank 43rd in assists per game (16.6) while the Cyclones rank 139th (13.6).
Kansas State leads the nation with 1.5 blocks allowed per game while Iowa State is 48th with 2.7 blocks allowed per game.
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Kansas State is 1-3 ATS with 2 overs and 2 unders.
Iowa State is 1-1-1 ATS with 3 overs over their last five games.
The Wildcats’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 11.2, down from 14.5 for the season.
During their last five games, the Cyclones have scored an average of 77.4 points per game (1.9 above their season average) and allowed an average of 66.0 points per game (3.4 below their season average).
