We love it when ranked teams meet and that’s the case when the Texas Tech Raiders play host to the Iowa State Cyclones on Tuesday.
Iowa State is ranked higher at No. 15, but most of the early money with the sportsbook has gone with the 18th-ranked Red Raiders, who are dynamite at home.
Game: Iowa State Cyclones (14-3) at Texas Tech Red Raiders (13-4)
Location: United Supermarkets Arena
Day/Time: Tuesday, 9 p.m. ET
Iowa State Cyclones vs Texas Tech Red Raiders
Whirlwind for Iowa State
There is nothing wrong with the 14-3 record of the Iowa State Cyclones, but it was looking much better at 12-0.
They have lost three of their last five games, including losses to Baylor, Oklahoma and Kansas. Those are all tough games, but winning on the road has also been a major problem.
Their last two losses came on the road so facing the Texas Tech Red Raiders, who are 10-0 at home, could be problematic.
The Cyclones, despite their recent struggles, are 11-6 against the spread. Betting online markets have had them as underdogs in four of their last five games, so confidence levels are dropping.
Bookmakers have them as +8 underdogs against the Red Raiders, so winning will be a tough ask.
Iowa State bounced back from consecutive losses with a 79-70 win over Texas. Gabe Kalscheur had 22 points on 8-of-16 shooting.
“I just continue to stay confident with who I am,” Kalscheur told ESPN, “and enjoy it.”
Teammate Tyrese Hunter, who had 13 points, was complimentary of Kalscheur.
“I see the work that he puts in on a daily basis,” Hunter said, “and it showed tonight.”
Home Dominance for Red Raiders
Not one team has beaten the Texas Tech Red Raiders at home, which is why NCAA basketball odds have them as firm favorites.
They are 10-0 at home but are coming off a loss at Kansas State. We’re prepared to forgive the 62-51 effort and look at Texas Tech’s wins over Kansas, then No. 1 Baylor and Oklahoma State as better form guides.
Beating the defending national champion Baylor Bears on the road was a huge effort. The 65-62 victory put the Red Raiders back into title contention and they followed it up with another outstanding victory over Oklahoma State.
They won 78-57 against a quality outfit, so when the Red Raiders play well, they put good teams to bed.
Bettors have had success with a 10-7 spread record, including three of their last four. They rank inside the top 15 in points allowed, field goal percentage and rebounds, so the defensive statistics are off the charts.
They will be stingy and limit the Cyclones on offense, so that favors the home side.
There are no standout players for the Red Raiders, but Bryson Williams and Kevin McCullar are steady. They come up with the goods when needed, but it’s a real team effort for the No. 18 team in the nation.
Home Cooking Tastes Good
We can’t overlook the home record of Texas Tech. The Red Raiders yet to lose at home, and although we respect the Cyclones, they are susceptible on the road.
It could pay to overlook Texas Tech’s recent struggles against Kansas State and go on its exceptional wins over the likes of Baylor and Oklahoma State.
It holds the Red Raiders in good stead to cover the -8 spread and they have beaten better teams at United Supermarkets Arena, so beating the Cyclones should be no problem.
The Red Raiders are one of our NCAA best bets for Tuesday.
