The third-ranked Iowa State Cyclones open Big 12 Conference play when they visit the Colorado Buffaloes with the tip scheduled at 9 p.m. ET at the CU Events Center in Boulder
It’s a rematch from the Maui Invitational, where the Cyclones crushed the Buffs, a big reason they are 9-point favorites. Still, our Iowa State vs Colorado predictions think the Buffaloes can compete, especially at home.
Let's dig in with our college basketball picks for Monday, December 30.
Iowa State vs Colorado prediction
My best bet
Colorado +9.5 (-110 at bet365)
My analysis
The Iowa State Cyclones are rolling heading into Boulder, having reeled off wins in seven straight, including an 11-point win over fifth-ranked Marquette.
Iowa State currently ranks fifth overall at KenPom, sitting Top 3 in offensive efficiency. The Cyclones are scoring 88.5 points per game and shooting at a tremendous 51.3% clip from the field, which ranks eighth in college hoops.
They moved to 10-1 on the year with a 99-72 obliteration of Morgan State, the seventh time this year they have won by more than 20 points.
Their defensive splits aren’t great, but they are Top 40 in points allowed while forcing 16 turnovers per game (sixth).
The Colorado Buffaloes haven’t lost since taking that 99-71 beating from these same Cyclones on November 27, reeling off four straight wins, all by double figures.
The Buffaloes dumped Bellarmine 79-55 last game to get to 9-2 on the season and improved to a perfect 8-0 at home, where they are averaging 80.5 points and allowing just 63.6 per.
While the Cyclones have looked good, there might be a slight over-emphasis of that previous head-to-head result. Full credit to Iowa State, who shot a blistering 60.3% from the field, including 11-for-25 from distance (44.0%), but the Buffaloes got killed on the margins.
Colorado’s 18 turnovers turned into 37 points for the Cyclones, and they were run off the court, with ISU racking up a 22-6 advantage in fast break points.
This was the second game in two nights for the Buffs, who probably couldn’t avoid an emotional letdown after beating then 2nd-ranked UConn the night before.
Both schools have played just two ranked teams each, and their KenPom strength of schedule ratings are similar, ranking outside the Top 245.
Even if Iowa State wins, these two teams match up closer than a double-digit Cyclones spread.
Iowa State vs Colorado same-game parlay
Colorado +9.5
Over 147
Iowa State is the highest-scoring team in the Big 12, and Colorado is scoring in the 80s when playing at home.
Defensively, these teams aren’t exactly stoppers: both the Cyclones and Buffs rank outside the Top 90 in field goal shooting percentage.
Iowa State is 180th in 3-point shooting percentage allowed, with Colorado outside the Top 100.
The Cyclones have cashed the Over in three of their last four, and the Over has hit four times in the last six head-to-head meetings between these schools.
The points will be there.
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Iowa State vs Colorado odds
Iowa State vs Colorado live odds
Iowa State vs Colorado opening odds
- Spread: Iowa State -9 (-115) | Colorado +9 (-105)
- Moneyline: Iowa State -450 | Colorado +350
- Over/Under: Over 147.5 (-110) | Under 147.5 (-110)
Odds courtesy of bet365
Iowa State vs Colorado betting trend to know
The Cyclones have won 14 straight night games against unranked opponents. Find more college basketball betting trends for Iowa State vs. Colorado.
How to watch Iowa State vs Colorado
| Location: | CU Events Center, Boulder, CO |
| Date: | Monday, 12-30-2024 |
| Tip-off: | 9:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | CBSSN |
Iowa State vs Colorado key injuries
Not intended for use in MA.
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