No. 3 Iowa State Cyclones vs. Baylor Bears
The 2026 Big 12 season tips off with a heavyweight collision in Waco as the undefeated
No. 3 Iowa State Cyclones
travel to the Foster Pavilion to face
Scott Drew’s Baylor Bears. Iowa State has been the most complete team in the country through the non-conference slate, pairing elite defense with ruthless efficiency. Baylor, meanwhile, enters conference play retooled but dangerous, leaning on transition scoring and offensive rebounding to stay among the league’s contenders.
This game is a classic Big 12 chess match:
Iowa State’s controlled chaos vs. Baylor’s athletic firepower.
No. 3 Iowa State (13–0) vs. Baylor (10–2) Date Wednesday, January 7, 2026 Time 7:00 PM ET Location Foster Pavilion — Waco, TX TV Peacock
What’s at Stake:
Iowa State looks to open Big 12 play with a statement road win and preserve its unbeaten record. Baylor aims to defend home court and announce itself as a legitimate conference title threat.
Betting Market Overview
Spread Iowa State -1.5 Moneyline Iowa State -115 / Baylor -105Over/Under148.5
Market Note:
Iowa State has covered in 9 of 13 games this season, while Baylor is 7–2 ATS at home under Scott Drew dating back to last year.
Iowa State Cyclones: Defense That Travels
T.J. Otzelberger’s Cyclones are the most disciplined team in college basketball. Iowa State ranks
top five nationally in defensive efficiency, forces turnovers on nearly 22% of possessions, and converts chaos into points better than almost anyone.
Key Contributors
-
Tamin Lipsey (G)
– 14.5 PPG, 5.8 APG The engine. Lipsey controls tempo, limits mistakes, and is elite at attacking gaps once defenses overextend.
-
Joshua Jefferson (F)
– 18.1 PPG, 7.4 RPG A mismatch forward who thrives against aggressive defenses.
-
Milan Momcilovic (F)
– 16.2 PPG, 3.8 3PM The spacing weapon. If Baylor collapses inside, Momcilovic can break the game open quickly.
Identity:
Pressure defense, spacing, and veteran poise. Iowa State rarely beats itself.
Baylor Bears: Speed, Size, and Second Chances
Scott Drew’s roster has changed, but the philosophy hasn’t. Baylor still wants to
rebound, run, and overwhelm
opponents with waves of athletes.
Key Contributors
-
Norchad Omier (F)
– 15.5 PPG, 9.2 RPG One of the best offensive rebounders in the country and the tone-setter inside.
-
VJ Edgecombe (G)
– 14.8 PPG, 2.1 SPG The freshman star. Elite defensively and devastating in transition.
-
Robert Wright (G)
– 12.4 PPG, 5.2 APG The stabilizer who keeps Baylor from playing out of control.
Identity:
Offensive rebounding, transition scoring, and physicality.
Key Matchup: Turnovers vs. Tempo
If Tamin Lipsey limits turnovers and Iowa State controls the glass, the Cyclones dictate the game. If Edgecombe and Omier generate second-chance points and fast breaks, Baylor can flip the script quickly.
Top 4 Prop Bets
1️⃣ Iowa State -1.5 (Spread)
Iowa State’s defense travels, and their veteran guards are built for hostile environments.
- Elite defense
-
Veteran guards
-
Road-tested poise
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2️⃣ Game Total Under 148.5
Despite Baylor’s pace, Iowa State has dragged elite offenses into half-court games all season.
Tip: Under 148.5 total points
- Cyclone tempo control
-
Big 12 physicality
-
Late-game grind
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3️⃣ Tamin Lipsey Over 5.5 Assists
Baylor’s aggressive help defense opens kick-out opportunities. Lipsey thrives in these reads.
Tip: Tamin Lipsey over assists
- Ball dominance
-
Baylor help defense
-
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4️⃣ Norchad Omier Over Rebounds
Even against Iowa State’s discipline, Omier’s activity on the offensive glass should translate.
Tip: Norchad Omier over rebounds
- Second-chance points
-
High usage
-
Baylor interior focus
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Final Prediction
Baylor’s home crowd and athleticism will keep this tight throughout, but Iowa State’s defensive discipline and late-game execution give them the edge. Expect long possessions, physical play, and a finish that comes down to free throws.
Final Score Prediction:
Iowa State 75, Baylor 72
