The second-ranked Baylor Bears (13-1, 3-0 Big 12) and the Iowa State Cyclones (8-7, 1-2 Big 12) clash at Ferrell Center. The Bears will try to lengthen their 12-game winning streak. The game begins at 8 p.m. ET on Wednesday, January 15, 2020.
Iowa State Cyclones at Baylor Bears Betting Odds
Both teams beat their last opponent. The Bears defeated the third-ranked Kansas Jayhawks 67-55, while the Cyclones beat the Oklahoma Sooners 81-68.
The Cyclones, who came into the game averaging an offensive rebounding percentage of 27.7, had an extraordinary mark of 35.3, while the Sooners had a turnover percentage of 21.6 (above their season average of 13.1). Meanwhile, Baylor’s 7.3 turnover percentage was their biggest advantage over Kansas, who had a mark of 19.7. The Bears’ mark was better than their season average of 15.5. Jared Butler was a key piece for Baylor with 22 points. Iowa State received a boost from Rasir Bolton, who put up 23 points and six assists.
The Bears edged out the Cyclones in this series last year, winning two out of three games. In the last matchup, Iowa State won 83-66. The Cyclones’ turnover percentage was their largest strength over the Bears. Iowa State had a rate of 11.1, while Baylor posted a mark of 18.3. This is the first time these teams will clash this year.
Expect Baylor to dominate the offensive glass in this battle. The Bears are among the nation’s elite on the offensive glass, ranking 10th in offensive rebounding percentage at 37.4 percent. Meanwhile, Iowa State ranks 291st in the country at corralling defensive rebounds with a defensive rebounding percentage of 69.2 percent. Furthermore, the Cyclones rank 15th in turnover percentage (15.9 percent), while the Bears rank 40th in opponents’ turnover percentage (23.4 percent).
Iowa State Cyclones at Baylor Bears Free Pick
Free Pick: SU Winner – Baylor, ATS Winner – Baylor, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Baylor averages 38.7 rebounds per game, which ranks 55th in the NCAA. Iowa State ranks 217th in rebounds allowed per game (37.5).
- The Bears rank 48th in assists allowed per game (10.8) while the Cyclones rank 141st (13.0).
- Baylor averages 8.6 steals per game, which ranks 32nd in the nation. Iowa State ranks 120th in steals allowed per game (6.8).
- The Cyclones rank 22nd in blocks allowed per game (2.5) while the Bears rank 153rd (5.3).
- Baylor ranks 41st in three pointers allowed per game (18.6) while Iowa State ranks 163rd (22.5).
Bettings Trends:
- The Bears’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 17.2, up from 15.6 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Cyclones have scored an average of 74.0 points per game (4.4 below their season average) and allowed an average of 71.4 points per game (0.3 below their season average).
