Kansas vs Iowa State Odds
| Kansas Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-1.5 -110 | 135.5 -105o / -115u | -130 |
| Iowa State Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+1.5 -110 | 135.5 -105o / -115u | +108 |
Hilton Coliseum is renowned as one of the premier venues in all of college basketball.
The Cyclones could've use some "Hilton Magic" last game to prevent a devastating collapse against Texas Tech. Iowa State squandered a 20-point lead in the second half and ultimately fell to the desperate Red Raiders in Lubbock.
The Clones were understandably in utter shock after that defeat. There's no better bounce-back opportunity, though, then welcoming the perennial league power into your building.
But can Iowa State get off the mat in the wake of that mentally scaring collapse against a team that's won three straight at Hilton Coliseum and seven straight against the Cyclones overall?
There are many demons head coach T.J. Otzelberger must vanquish Saturday.
Kansas Jayhawks
Kansas abruptly snapped a three-game losing streak two weeks ago with an impressive road win at Kentucky and a double-digit victory over Kansas State on Tuesday.
KU is used to getting everyone's best shot, but it's hard to argue any two regular season games are bigger than those two. Thus, it won't be easy for Kansas to rise to the occasion a third straight time, even for this battle-tested bunch.
The X-Factor is surging sophomore KJ Adams Jr., who's been a critical cog in a rail-thin rotation this season.
Devoid of any bruising size up front, Adams' motor and bounce — coupled with a polished finishing touch — has been just what the doctor ordered for KU.
In KU's two losses to Baylor and TCU, Adams was held to eight points combined.
Iowa State Cyclones
There are two critical injury storylines to track heading into this tilt, Kevin McCullar Jr. for Kansas and Caleb Grill for Iowa State.
McCullar was banged up in the win over K-State, but Bill Self believes he should ready to roll at Ames this Saturday. He's been a shell of himself this season, but he's beginning to sharpen his shooting stroke from the outside.
On the Cyclones' side, Grill's long-range marksmanship is paramount for Iowa State's half-court offense.
In Grill's return to action against Texas Tech, he canned 8-for-12 from long distance, but watched his teammates post a dreadful 1-for-15 clip.
Iowa State must find other reliable scoring outlets, especially if Grill is limited this Saturday due to lingering back issues. Be sure to confirm his status before wagering on the Cyclones.
At the very least, Iowa State should control the paint with its sizable advantage up front, just as it did in the first meeting between these two at Phog Allen. ISU out-rebounded the Jayhawks on the offensive glass 13-6, while shot-blocking specialist Osun Osunniyi added 14 points on 7-of-9 shooting.
Kansas vs. Iowa State Betting Pick
Finding value on a side is challenging, but the total is where the stronger edge lies.
Iowa State knows the path to victory is a suffocating defensive performance, which will be the focus after surrendering over 75 points in its last three contests.
On the other end, barring another Grill shooting barrage, the Clones will have to manufacture points in ugly fashion to secure the victory.
The first game clocked a slow 64-possession pace and finished at 122 on the total. KenPom pegs this rematch in the mid 130s and a 66-possession pace.
With KU's lack of depth, it's hard to see this one going any faster than the first meeting, which is another point in the under's favor. Take the under at any number above 132, but steer clear below that threshold.
