The second-ranked Baylor Bears will be back in action for the first time in three weeks when they play host to the reeling Iowa State Cyclones on Tuesday.
Despite not playing since Feb. 2, Baylor remains atop the Big 12 standings. Iowa State is in the midst of an epic losing streak that has the Cyclones firmly entrenched in last place in the Big 12.
Could Baylor’s lack of court time make the Bears vulnerable for the sportsbook betting upset? Has Iowa State already given up on the remainder of its lost season?
With Baylor looking to get back to business prior to the start of March Madness and Iowa State completely desperate for a win, let’s find out which team is offering the best online betting value in this Big 12 conference clash.
Check out the NCAA Odds for this Tuesday night affair when they go live.
Iowa State (2-16) at No. 2 Baylor (17-0)
When: Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2021 at 8 p.m. ET
Where: Ferrell Center, Waco, TX
TV: ESPN+
Check out our stunning NCAA National Championship Odds!
Iowa State Is Reeling
Iowa State has lost a mind-boggling 12 consecutive games while having four postponed. The Cyclones come into this matchup fresh off a 66-56 home loss against ninth-ranked Oklahoma on Saturday.
In defeat, Iowa State put up one of its best efforts of the season, The Cyclones rallied to take a 46-45 lead on Tre Jackson’s 3-pointer with just under 12 minutes remaining. Unfortunately, Oklahoma quickly responded with a 16-4 run that gave the Sooners a lead they would never relinquish.
Iowa State got a team-high 14 points from Rasir Bolton, 13 points from Jalen Coleman-Landis, and 12 points from Solomon Young in the loss.
The Cyclones average a paltry 65.6 points per game (305th) on 42.0 percent shooting from the field (281st) and 32.1 percent from beyond the arc (260th). Defensively, Iowa State is allowing 77.0 points per contest (309th) on 45.9 percent shooting from the field (277th) and 32.0 percent from three-point distance (108th). The Cyclones look like they’ll finish with its worst conference record since finishing 2-12 in the 1980-81 Big Eight standings.
Back in Business
The unbeaten Baylor Bears are back in action for the first time in three weeks after having their last six scheduled games postponed. Baylor thrashed No. 6 Texas 83-69 on the road on Feb. 2.
Davion Mitchell scored a team-high 27 points while Jared Butler added 21 points in the win. Baylor has won all 17 of its games this season by at least eight points. Baylor has just one remaining game on its schedule, a Feb. 25 home date against No. 13 West Virginia.
Baylor averages a stellar 87.0 points per game to rank second nationally in scoring. The Bears shoot a blistering 50.7 percent from the field (8th) and a stunning 43.9 percent from beyond the arc to rank first nationally in three-point shooting.
Defensively, Baylor limits the opposition to just 62.8 points per game (20th) on 41.5 percent shooting from the field (90th) and 31.8 percent from long distance (89th).
Analysis and Prediction
There’s not a lot of sense in beating around the bush with my prediction on this Tuesday night Big 12 battle. Baylor is far superior to Iowa State in every way and could probably win this matchup without any of its starters.
Iowa State is 1-3 ATS over its last four games and 4-6 ATS over its last 10 games. Baylor went 3-1 ATS in its final four games before their hiatus and is 6-2 ATS over its last eight games overall.
The Bears have won three straight and six of seven against Iowa State including a 76-65 road win on Jan. 2.
There’s no way Baylor loses this matchup. Iowa State has been limited to 58 points or less in three straight games while getting held to 60 points or less six times over its last 10 games.
Baylor wins big to cover the spread as a double-digit home favorite.
Pick: Baylor 81, Iowa State 60
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