The Iowa State Cyclones take on the Colorado Buffaloes in Boulder, CO. Tip-off is set for 9 p.m. ET on CBS Sports Network.
Iowa State is favored by 9 points on the spread with a moneyline of -450. The total is set at 146 points.
Here are my Iowa State vs. Colorado predictions and college basketball picks for December 30, 2024.
Iowa State vs Colorado Prediction
My Pick: Colorado +9.5 (Play to +9)
My Iowa State vs Colorado best bet is on the Buffaloes spread, with the best odds currently available at DraftKings. For all of your college basketball bets, be sure to find the best lines by using our live NCAAB odds page.
Iowa State vs Colorado Odds, Spread, Pick
| Iowa State Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-9 -110 | 146 -110 / -110 | -450 |
| Colorado Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+9 -110 | 146 -110 / -110 | +350 |
- Iowa State vs Colorado spread: Iowa State -9
- Iowa State vs Colorado over/under: 146 points
- Iowa State vs Colorado moneyline: Iowa State -450, Colorado +350
- Iowa State vs Colorado best bet: Colorado +9.5 (Play to +9)
My Iowa State vs Colorado College Basketball Betting Preview
Iowa State is one of the best teams in the nation. The Clones are balanced (fourth in KenPom's offensive-adjusted efficiency metric and 14th in defensive-adjusted efficiency), well-coached, deep (Tamin Lipsey is their sixth-leading scorer) and battled-tested.
The Clones also pummeled the Buffaloes, 99-71, when these two played earlier in the season in Maui.
But circumstances have changed.
This is a massive opportunity for Tad Boyle to earn another major quality victory in the non-conference. The Buffaloes already beat UConn, and they could use another confidence-boosting win before Big 12 play.
Also, unlike the first meeting between these two, this game is at the CU Events Center (not a neutral site) and neither team is playing their third game in three days.
Colorado has had time to work in what has been a brand-new roster, and the results have been that aforementioned victory over UConn, a win over Colorado State and holding serve against a solid mid-major in South Dakota State.
That's not to say Colorado will win this game, but I think it can keep it within double digits in its home building.
The Buffs average only 11.9 turnovers per game. In the first game between these two, Colorado gave the ball away 18 times, changing the complexion of the matchup.
I expect Boyle to help his roster clean up those mistakes and play up to the competition in a huge spot.
