The Iowa State Cyclones (12-10, 3-7 Big 12) look to end their five-game road losing streak when they clash with the No. 7 Texas Tech Red Raiders (19-4, 7-3 Big 12), who will attempt to lengthen their 14-game home winning streak. The games Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 139 points with Texas Tech opening as a 14-point favorite. Action starts at 9 p.m. ET on Wednesday, February 7, 2018, and it can be seen on ESPNU.
Iowa State Cyclones at Texas Tech Red Raiders Betting Preview
The Cyclones were beaten by the Baylor Bears in their last contest, 81-67. Cameron Lard put together a good performance for Iowa State, finishing with 14 points and nine rebounds. Baylor did a great job of making free throws (19-25; 76.0 percent). Iowa State, meanwhile, forced the Bears into a turnover percentage of 18.4 (above the 14.5 mark opponents have averaged against Iowa State this season).
The last time the Red Raiders played, they topped the TCU Horned Frogs, 83-71. Texas Tech was lifted by Jarrett Culver, who was the games high scorer with 20 points on 5-for-7 shooting. Texas Tech played a nearly flawless game. They had a turnover percentage of 14.6 (better than their season average of 16.3) and an effective field goal percentage of 0.600 (above their season average of 0.527). For those same stats, TCU recorded marks of 21.6 and 0.549, respectively.
The offensive glass could be a huge advantage for Texas Tech in this showdown. The Red Raiders rank 57th in offensive rebounding percentage (33.6 percent), while Iowa State ranks 252nd in defensive rebounding percentage (69.6 percent).
These teams have already met once this season. The Cyclones won 70-52. The Cyclones dominated nearly every facet of the game. They had an effective field goal percentage of 0.544 and a free throw rate of 0.140. The Red Raiders put up marks of 0.390 and 0.102, respectively, for those same stats. Nick Weiler-Babb had a stellar game, with 13 points, seven rebounds and five assists.
Iowa State Cyclones vs. Texas Tech Red Raiders Prediction
Basketball Tip: SU Winner – Texas Tech, ATS Winner – Texas Tech, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- The Red Raiders rank 129th in three pointers allowed per game (21.5) while the Cyclones rank 262nd (25.2).
- Texas Tech averages 4.4 blocks per game, which ranks 44th in the NCAA. Iowa State ranks 105th in blocks allowed per game (3.4).
- Texas Tech ranks 29th in rebounds allowed per game (31.3) while Iowa State ranks 232nd (37.0).
- The Red Raiders rank 22nd in steals per game (8.0) while the Cyclones rank 208th (4.9).
- Texas Tech ranks 13th in assists allowed per game (10.2) while Iowa State ranks 167th (13.9).
Betting Trends:
- The Red Raiders average margin of victory in their last five games has been 1.6, down from 13.8 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Cyclones have scored an average of 66.4 points per game (7.3 below their season average) and allowed an average of 70.2 points per game (3.4 below their season average).
