The Iowa State Cyclones (8-2) clash against the Drake Bulldogs (6-1) at Wells Fargo Arena. The game is scheduled to start at 4:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 15, 2018.
Iowa State Cyclones vs. Drake Bulldogs Betting Odds
Both teams won big over their last opponent. The Bulldogs defeated the Buena Vista Beavers 98-52, while the Cyclones beat the Alabama State Hornets 79-53.
Iowa State played a flawless game. They had an offensive rebounding percentage of 36.1 and a turnover percentage of 16.7. Alabama State was 23.7 and 25.2, respectively, for those same stats. Meanwhile, Drake played a nearly perfect game. They had an effective field goal percentage of 0.629 and an offensive rebounding percentage of 41.2. For those same stats, Buena Vista was 0.286 and 25.5, respectively. Nick Norton played a pivotal role for Drake with 17 points, five rebounds and five assists. Michael Jacobson, meanwhile had a solid performance for Iowa State, finishing with 17 points and seven rebounds.
Marial Shayok and Jacobson have played well over the last five games for Iowa State. Shayok has averaged 0 points per game, while Jacobson has put up 0 points a game during that span.
The offense of Drake will battle against the stingy defense of Iowa State. Dating back to last season, the Bulldogs rank 177th in offensive efficiency, while the Cyclones are 35th in defensive efficiency. The Cyclones should have the advantage on that side of the ball. Ball security should be an advantage for the Cyclones. They rank 49th at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 17.0 percent). Conversely, the Bulldogs have forced the 93rd-fewest turnovers in the country (opponents’ turnover percentage of 17.5 percent).
Iowa State Cyclones vs. Drake Bulldogs Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Drake, ATS Winner – Iowa State, O/U – Under
Betting Notes (2017-Present):
- Drake ranks 89th in three pointers attempted per game (24.1) while Iowa State ranks 248th in three pointers allowed per game (25.1).
- The Cyclones rank sixth in blocks allowed per game (3.0) while the Bulldogs rank 122nd (3.5).
- Iowa State averages 36.9 rebounds per game, which ranks 91st in the country. Drake ranks 194th in rebounds allowed per game (36.3).
- The Cyclones rank 40th in assists per game (14.2) while the Bulldogs rank 187th in assists allowed per game (14.2).
- Iowa State ranks 23rd in steals per game (5.7) while Drake ranks 141st (6.0).
