The Houston Cougars can tighten their grip on the Big 12 regular-season title with a win over the Iowa State Cyclones this weekend.
Find out how we think this Big 12 battle will play out. A win on the road would be monumental for the Cyclones, but will they be able to control the tempo in a hostile environment?
Iowa State vs. Houston Betting Preview
All Iowa State vs. Houston odds are from DraftKings Sportsbook and are correct as of Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025.
- Spread
Houston -9.5 - Moneyline
Houston -425, Iowa State +330 - Over/Under
134.5 Points - Game Time
Saturday, Feb. 22, 12 p.m. ET - Location
Fertitta Center – Houston, Texas - How to Watch
ESPN
Entering this game, the Cyclones (21-5, 11-4) are in third place in the Big 12 standings and three games behind Houston (22-4, 14-1), which sits atop the conference.
Although reaching the top spot in the conference is a long shot for Iowa State, the No. 2 seed is still within grasp, with Arizona holding that position by a one-game lead.
Prediction for Iowa State vs. Houston
These are somewhat similar teams—both can impose their will on the glass—but the speed at which they operate is vastly different.
The Cyclones prefer to force the issue, playing press defense and creating easy points in transition.
On the other hand, the Cougars look to play at a controlled pace, operating primarily in the half-court offense. This is evident, as Houston commits only 8.5 turnovers per game.
Iowa State has won four straight games, but those victories came against TCU, UCF, Cincinnati and Colorado. Three of those games were at home, where the Cyclones were heavy favorites.
This will be a huge test for the Cyclones, who have not faced a quality opponent in almost a month.
Curtis Jones (17.6 points, 4.6 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.2 steals per game) will be the X-factor for Iowa State, as he can score in bunches off the bench.
Houston faced a similar test when it played Arizona last weekend, but the Cyclones are a much deeper, more efficient team that can cause more problems for Houston.
However, the Cougars’ overall size and length will cause issues for Iowa State and give Houston the overbearing edge in this contest.
That defensive pedigree, combined with the ability to knock down threes at an impressive rate, is why the Cougars will win this game and inch closer to a regular-season title.
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It is obvious that I am trusting Houston in this game, which might suggest taking the under—but that is not enough points. Iowa State averages 81.3 points per game, and although they may not reach their standard output, they will cover the spread.
Prediction: Houston 77, Iowa State 71
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