It will be a battle between Big 12 opponents when the Iowa State Cyclones (10-7, 1-5 Big 12) welcome the No. 8 Texas Tech Red Raiders (15-3, 4-2 Big 12) to James H. Hilton Coliseum. The game will air on ESPNU at 2 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 20, 2018.
Texas Tech Red Raiders vs. Iowa State Cyclones ATS Prediction
In the Red Raiders’ last contest, they were topped by the Texas Longhorns, 67-58. Texas’ free throw rate was their biggest strength over Texas Tech. The Longhorns had a rate of 0.333 (above their season average of 0.219), while the Red Raiders posted a mark of 0.164 (below their season average of 0.280). Jarrett Culver led Texas Tech in scoring with 16 points on 6-for-11 shooting.
The Cyclones got blown out by the No. 24 TCU Horned Frogs in their last outing, 96-73. TCU’s 5.5 turnover percentage was their largest strength over Iowa State, who had a rate of 13.8. The Horned Frogs’ mark was better than their season average of 14.8. With 16 points and nine rebounds, Cameron Lard put together a solid game for Iowa State.
Based on historical performance heading into this one, ball protection could play a key role in this battle. Iowa State commits the 51st-fewest miscues in the nation (turnover percentage of 16.8 percent), while the ball-hawking defense of Texas Tech forces the 10th-most (opponents’ turnover percentage of 24.2 percent).
After the Cyclones won both contests against the Red Raiders last season, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. In the last contest, Iowa State won 82-80. Iowa State had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.571 vs. 0.447). Texas Tech, meanwhile, had a much better turnover percentage (7.2 vs. 15.2).
Texas Tech Red Raiders vs. Iowa State Cyclones Odds Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Texas Tech, ATS Winner – Texas Tech, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
Texas Tech ranks 17th in rebounds allowed per game (30.7) while Iowa State ranks 182nd (36.5).
The Red Raiders rank third in assists allowed per game (9.2) while the Cyclones rank 165th (14.4).
Texas Tech ranks 15th in steals per game (8.6) while Iowa State ranks 166th (5.2).
The Red Raiders rank 135th in three pointers allowed per game (21.8) while the Cyclones rank 260th (25.8).
Texas Tech ranks 46th in blocks allowed per game (2.8) while Iowa State ranks 89th (3.5).
Bettings Trends:
The Red Raiders’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 2.0, down from 17.2 for the season.
During their last five games, the Cyclones have scored an average of 76.6 points per game (0.8 above their season average) and allowed an average of 82.8 points per game (8.2 above their season average).
