The Iowa State Cyclones will aim to push their winning streak to three games when they take a short break from the Big 12 slate with a game against the Vanderbilt Commodores. This matchup is part of the SEC/Big 12 Challenge, and even though Iowa State is on the road it should be favored.
The Cyclones have the superior record this season and have been the more impressive team, as the Commodores have struggled to pull out wins in close games. Vanderbilt has been competitive against ranked teams of late, though, and must feel like this is a winnable matchup.
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Odds at BookMaker.eu
Iowa State is 13-6 straight up and 9-7 against the spread. The Cyclones have played in five away games this season and have covered in three of them. They are 4-5 against the spread as the favorite.
Vanderbilt is 9-11 straight up and 10-9 against the spread. The Commodores have played nine home games this season and are 5-4 against the spread in those matchups. Vanderbilt has played in nine games this season as the underdog and has covered in four of those.
Key Stat
81. That’s how many points per game this Iowa State offense is averaging per game. Vanderbilt comes into this matchup with an offense averaging 72.3 points a game, so it will either need to score more than usual or make sure the defense is up to snuff.
The Cyclones combined for 172 points in the last two games, entering this contest on a two-game winning streak. The offense is led by Nazareth Mitrou-Long and Monte Morris, each of whom are averaging 15.9 points per game.
This week, the Cyclones face a defense this has held opponents to 70.8 points a game. The Commodores recently pulled off an upset over No. 19 Florida on January 28th, holding the Gators to just 66 points.
Iowa State’s point-differential is much higher, as the teams are allowing close to the same number of points per contest while the Cyclones score at a much higher clip.
Player to Watch
Matthew Fisher-Davis – The Vanderbilt junior guard is the team’s leading scorer, averaging 16 points per game. He had 19 in the team’s recent win over Florida last week and also had 19 in the team’s loss to No. 6 Kentucky earlier this month.
Davis scored a season-high 33 points against Auburn on January 4th and also put up 25 points against Dayton late last month. He will need to have a big game against the Cyclones.
Free College Basketball ATS Picks
Vanderbilt has been a plucky underdog of late with the upset of Florida while putting a scare into Kentucky. However, the large body of work is just not there. The Commodores have consistently struggled throughout the season and even the home court advantage won’t be enough in this one.
Iowa State isn’t an elite team, as the Cyclones aren’t ranked nor are they quite in the same stratosphere as Kansas, Baylor or West Virginia in their conference. However, Iowa State has been a solid team throughout the season and could be in line for a berth in the NCAA men’s basketball tournament.
Even though this is a non-conference game, it is an important one for Iowa State. The Cyclones won’t have it easy as any road game can be difficult, but Vanderbilt hasn’t shown enough this season.
Iowa State is the choice to capture this victory while the Commodores’ tough season continues.
College Basketball Odds: Iowa State 82, Vanderbilt 72
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