The top-ranked Baylor Bears (17-1, 6-0 Big 12) travel to James H. Hilton Coliseum to clash with the Iowa State Cyclones (9-10, 2-4 Big 12). The Bears look to continue their 16-game winning streak. Action begins at 9 p.m. ET on Wednesday, January 29, 2020, and can be seen on ESPNU.
Baylor Bears vs. Iowa State Cyclones Betting Odds
In their last game, the Cyclones fell to the 16th-ranked Auburn Tigers, 80-76, while the Bears defeated the Florida Gators, 72-61.
Baylor dominated nearly every stat category in the game. They had an extraordinary offensive rebounding percentage of 41.9 (above their season average of 37.3) and a free throw rate of 0.273 (above their season average of 0.214). For those same stats, Florida was 25.0 and 0.212, respectively. Iowa State, on the other hand, had a much better turnover percentage (11.2 vs. 16.6). Rasir Bolton had a good outing for Iowa State, finishing with 23 points. Meanwhile, MaCio Teague played a pivotal role for Baylor with 16 points and six rebounds.
In their first matchup this year, Freddie Gillespie led the Bears to a 68-55 victory. He registered a double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds. Baylor’s free throw rate was their biggest strength over Iowa State. The Bears had a rate of 0.210, while the Cyclones posted a mark of 0.052.
Based on historical performance heading into this one, ball security could play an integral role in this matchup. Iowa State commits the 51st-fewest miscues in the NCAA (turnover percentage of 17.1 percent), while the disruptive defense of Baylor forces the 59th-most (opponents’ turnover percentage of 22.0 percent). Also, the Bears rank sixth in offensive rebounding percentage (37.6 percent), while the Cyclones rank 286th in defensive rebounding percentage (69.5 percent).
Baylor vs. Iowa State Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Baylor, ATS Winner – Baylor, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Baylor ranks 52nd in rebounds per game (38.9) while Iowa State ranks 206th in rebounds allowed per game (36.8).
- The Cyclones rank 25th in assists per game (15.9) while the Bears rank 112th (13.7).
- Baylor ranks 129th in three pointers attempted per game (22.4) while Iowa State ranks 173rd in three pointers allowed per game (22.7).
- The Cyclones average 4.5 blocks per game, which ranks 39th in the NCAA. The Bears rank 166th in blocks allowed per game (5.2).
- Baylor ranks 58th in steals per game (7.8) while Iowa State ranks 150th in steals allowed per game (7.1).
Bettings Trends:
- The Cyclones have been outscored by an average of 3.4 points in their last five games. On the season, Iowa State has defeated opponents by an average of 3.7 points.
- During their last five games, the Bears have scored an average of 68.6 points per game (4.1 below their season average) and allowed an average of 59.2 points per game (0.6 above their season average).
