NCAA Basketball Iowa State Cyclones vs Iowa Hawkeyes: Odds, Tips and Predictions 12-12-24

It’s rivalry time in the state of Iowa as the Hawkeyes host the Cyclones at Carver-Hawkeye arena in a game that looks like a possible mismatch. Iowa State is one of the best teams in the country, while Iowa is the typical Hawkeyes team. That means they will score a lot of points, but the defense has issues.

Iowa State Cyclones vs Iowa Hawkeyes

• Point Spread: Iowa State -6.5
• Moneyline Iowa State -270
• Moneyline Iowa +220
• Over/Under 159.5

On Thursday, one of college basketball’s lesser-known rivalries will resurface when Iowa and Iowa State square off in Iowa City.

Recurring in this rivalry are games where one team wins by 14 or more points; blowouts have become common, which makes sense given their respective styles.

Iowa State’s defense continues to excel this year. They currently rank 10th in adjusted defensive efficiency rankings; should this remain constant throughout the year, this would mark Iowa State’s fourth straight top-10 defense performance.

Iowa State’s play has changed greatly this season; after being outside the top 200 for pace over its previous three campaigns, Iowa State now ranks 89th – which should serve them well against an Iowa team that thrives off running plays.

Iowa has long been known for playing fast with high-powered offenses. Unfortunately, its current version is struggling with this goal and hitting some roadblocks along the way.

The offense just hasn’t been as stellar this season compared to past teams. This makes sense considering there is no All-American like Keegan Murray or Luka Garza; Payton Sandfort has taken over the star role, though only 31% of his 3-point attempts have been converted this season.

Iowa ranks 33rd nationally in adjusted offensive efficiency.

Iowa State’s only loss on their resume came against Auburn, one of the top teams in college hoops. Still, Iowa State led that game by 18 points at halftime and demonstrated their talent amongst top college squads.

Iowa’s journey leading into this game has not been smooth. They have struggled against top-50 opponents, winning just once (by one point against Northwestern at home).

Given the history of this series, one would anticipate the better team to pull away. Iowa State may well be their strongest team yet while this Iowa squad has several holes that didn’t exist previously.

Expect the Cyclones to neutralize Hawkeyes star player, and win comfortably by double digits.

Iowa State vs Iowa Moneyline

Stay off the money line for this game unless you are betting on Iowa. If you are betting on Iowa State take the points. To find the best line, you need accounts with multiple sportsbooks, and we got you covered as we break down the best sports betting app

DraftKings

4.5/5

Tip: Bet Iowa State -6.5

• Iowa State well-balanced team
• Iowa State is suffocating on defense
• Iowa at Home

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Iowa State vs Iowa Over/Under Analysis

I lean towards the under in this game, as the Iowa offense will struggle against Iowa State’s defense.

DraftKings

4.5/5

Tip: Bet the Under 159.5

• Iowa three-point shooting inconsistent
• Iowa must defend well
• The winner controls the pace of the game

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Prediction: Iowa State is better on both sides of the court and the Hawkeyes only chance to win is to get hot from deep. Iowa State 72  Iowa 59

Bet Iowa State -6.5