Iowa State vs. Oklahoma Odds
| Iowa State Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+6.5 -105 | 129 -110o / -110u | +210 |
| Oklahoma Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-6.5 -115 | 129 -110o / -110u | -265 |
Another day, another great Big 12 matchup.
The 11th-ranked Iowa State Cyclones head south to Norman to take on the Oklahoma Sooners. Each of these programs has gotten off to a great start, but conference play is proving to be the ultimate equalizer.
The great thing about league play is that these two teams now have a common opponent. Both the Cyclones and the Sooners lost to the Baylor Bears, and their performances in those contests can be telling of how they will match up against each other.
The Sooners got into a shootout with the Bears, but ultimately ran out of bullets while Baylor was still firing away.
Iowa State put together a gritty defensive performance, but unlike the Sooners, it was unable to go shot-for-shot with the Bears.
So, in a contrast of styles, all that is left to determine is who will prevail.
The Iowa State One Man Band
The Cyclones have put together a historic turnaround after going 2-21 last season.
T.J. Otzelberger has his men playing impeccable defense, and behind the heroics of Izaiah Brockington, the Cyclones have managed to pull off several upsets.
I have sung the praises of Brockington, as he is the entire motor of this team. Brockington averages nearly 17 points and eight rebounds per game, which both lead the Cyclones.
Though as the competition is getting stiffer, it is becoming more apparent that Brockington can't shoulder the load every game.
Against Baylor, junior guard Tristan Enaruna had a coming-out party, putting up 23 points and eight boards. However, the party came to an end rather quickly, as he only posted two points against Texas Tech.
Aside from Enaruna, the only other sources of offense have been Tyrese Hunter and Gabe Kalscheur. But, like Enaruna, they have not been consistent, as Hunter has scored in double figures only six times and Kalscheur only five times.
If the Cyclones are going to sustain their success deep into the season, someone else has to step up.
That someone is going to have to start in this matchup. The Sooners are a high-octane offense, but are also very solid defensively, as they rank 27th in adjusted defensive efficiency.
Look For Oklahoma to Create Extra Possessions
While Oklahoma may have lost to Baylor, it proved that it could score with the best of them. The Sooners' shooting prowess will carry over to this matchup, but what could be the separating factor, is their ability to rebound and give themselves more opportunities to score.
The Sooners are going to have a size advantage with Tanner Groves. Groves is a dynamic big man that uses his ability to shoot the 3-ball to stretch the floor and open up the paint.
Well, in this matchup, he will be better suited rolling to the paint and boxing out, as his size on the inside will lead to offensive boards and easy put backs.
That game plan is easier said than done against these Cyclones. Iowa State does an excellent job of closing out and rotating on shooters. While it may not be the Cyclones' style, the more they work the ball inside, the more consistent they will be.
Iowa State vs. Oklahoma Betting Pick
This matchup will be so intriguing to watch. It is a game that when you handicap it, the rankings go out the window.
According to Bart Torvik, these two teams are essentially equal, with Iowa State ranked 22nd and Oklahoma ranked 23rd. The external factor that is prominent here is home-court advantage. Football season is over, and the Sooner faithful will come out for this game.
All that being said, the defense of the Cyclones will keep them in this game — even if their offense goes through cold streaks. Back Iowa State and take the road dogs here.
