The Iowa State Cyclones (12-2, 2-0 Big 12) travel to Baylor to take on the Bears (8-5, 0-1 Big 12) in a matchup that pits great offense against superb defense. The game starts at 7 p.m. ET on Tuesday, January 8, 2019, and will air on ESPN.
Iowa State Cyclones at Baylor Bears Free Prediction
In the Cyclones’ last contest, they blew out the Alabama State Hornets, 79-53. The Cyclones had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (36.1 vs. 23.7) and had a much better turnover percentage (16.7 vs. 25.2). Iowa State received a boost from Michael Jacobson, who was the game’s high scorer with 17 points on 7-for-9 shooting.
The Bears lost a close one to the Texas Southern Tigers in their last contest, 72-69. Texas Southern’s free throw rate was their largest strength over Baylor. The Tigers had a rate of 0.250, while the Bears posted a mark of 0.045. King McClure had a solid game for Baylor, leading both teams in scoring with 23 points on 10-for-18 shooting.
After splitting two games last season, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. In the most recent contest, the Bears won 81-67. The Bears made 19 of their 25 free throws (76.0 percent) and had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.517 vs. 0.410).
Both teams have had a player take their game to the next level over their last five games. Marial Shayok (0 points) has been stellar for the Cyclones while Tristan Clark (0 points) has contributed greatly to the Bears.
Points could be at a premium in this battle between a pair of the nation’s best defenses. Baylor ranks 32nd in defensive efficiency (92.0) and Iowa State is 38th (92.4).
Iowa State Cyclones vs. Baylor Bears Free Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Iowa State, ATS Winner – Iowa State, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Iowa State ranks 27th in assists per game (16.9) while Baylor ranks 130th (13.6).
The Cyclones rank ninth in blocks allowed per game (2.0) while the Bears rank 88th (3.3).
Iowa State ranks seventh in steals allowed per game (4.6) while Baylor ranks 85th (6.2).
The Bears rank 159th in three pointers attempted per game (21.9) while the Cyclones rank 210th in three pointers allowed per game (25.4).
Baylor ranks 42nd in rebounds allowed per game (31.9) while Iowa State ranks 76th (33.4).
Bettings Trends:
The Cyclones’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 13.2, down from 17.6 for the season.
During their last five games, the Bears have scored an average of 78.2 points per game (6.9 above their season average) and allowed an average of 67.4 points per game (5.1 above their season average).
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