Cyclones Out to Snap Cold Spell Against Jayhawks
The Big 12 continues to offer solid games featuring ranked teams. This Saturday features a top-15 battle as the No. 8 Kansas Jayhawks (18-4, 6-3 in Big 12) travel to Ames and the No. 13 Iowa St. Cyclones (15-6, 6-3).
Both are among four Big 12 teams tied in second place, just a game behind Texas in the conference standings. ISU’s lost nine consecutive games against the Jayhawks, their last win coming in 2019. Kansas has regained its footing with back-to-back wins, covering against the spread (ATS). Iowa St. has lost three of its last four, 0-4 ATS.
Let’s check the latest college basketball news, stats, injury reports, and college basketball lines for Kansas vs Iowa St.. We’ve got plenty of NCAA basketball picks for you to consider.
Back in the Groove
So, two weeks ago, Kansas was ranked No. 2 in the AP Top 25 Poll, having lost just once. The Jayhawks then ran into a stacked Big 12, having suffered three consecutive losses in the conference. Kansas was 0-5 ATS during a five-game span. In late January, it ended the skid with a 77-68 road win against Kentucky. Then, a 90-78 revenge win against No. 7 Kansas St..
Kansas has been dangerous beyond the arc in the last two, as in 39.5% three-pointers. Iowa St. features one of the nation’s best defenses (11th in Kenpom’s defensive efficiency). However, the Cyclones’ perimeter defense is not strong, currently ranking in the bottom half of opposition 3-pointers made per game. Thus, the Jayhawks could have another big day out there, especially with point guard Dajuan Harris Jr. coming out of a major shooting slump.
Harris missed 16-of-18 field goals (7-of-8 eight 3-pointers) during a four-game stretch. The last two games, the veteran guard is 10-of-20 (4-of-10 3’s). Guard Jalen Wilson, priced +900 to win National Player of the Year, is averaging 26.6 points in the last five.
With the Jayhawks having recovered of late, NCAAB odds have them favored to win the Big 12 (+150), while at +1200 to win the national championship.
It’s a Must-Win
Iowa St. is trending in the complete opposite direction of Kansas, in desperate need of a win. It’s dropped three of the last four. Before struggling recently, Iowa St. covered six consecutive games ATS. Now, the Cyclones have failed to cover in their last four.
Three of the last four games were on the road, however, and the Cyclones are 2-5 in away games. Iowa St. is a completely different team in Hilton Coliseum, 11-0 overall, 4-2 ATS in its last six. ISU needs to win to stay in the Big 12 race, currently at +850 to win the conference.
Defense must be better, as two of the last three opponents have shot better than 49%. Plus, the Cyclones blew a 23-point lead in Monday’s 80-77 overtime loss against Texas Tech. Turnovers have also been a problem, 36 over the last two games (compared to a season average of 13). Kansas opponents commit 14.6 turnovers per game.
ISU will once again miss leading rebounder Aljaz Kunc (5.9 rpg), out with an injured finger, while center Osu Osunniyi has averaged only four boards in his last three.
Kansas vs Iowa St. Game Injuries
Kansas vs Iowa St. Head-to-Head
Kansas has dominated this series, as in nine consecutive wins. However, Iowa St. is 4-5 ATS during the stretch. The Jayhawks have played well on the road against the Cyclones, covering three consecutive games.
Kansas vs Iowa St. Game Information
- Game: No. 8 Kansas (18-4, 6-3 Big 12) vs No. 13 Iowa State (15-6, 6-3)
- Day/Time: Saturday, Feb. 4, 12 p.m. ET
- Location: James H. Hilton Coliseum, Ames, IA
- Kansas vs Iowa St. Live Stream: TBS.com
Kansas vs Iowa St. Betting Lines
Kansas vs Iowa St. Picks and Prediction
Iowa St. could be in trouble here. It struggles to take care of the ball, while KU forces more than 14 turnovers per game. Plus, the Jayhawks have dominated the glass, 20 offensive rebounds in their last two. Iowa St. ranks 147th in defensive rebounding percentage. The Jayhawks are also shooting 39.5% on 3-pointers in the last couple, while the ISU perimeter defense is a weak link.
All signs point to a Kansas cover, especially since it’s covered three straight in Hilton Coliseum.
Kansas vs Iowa St. Trends
Kansas vs Iowa St. Edge
Kansas vs Iowa St. Results
Kansas vs Iowa St. Game Summary
