The Iowa State Cyclones (10-1) travel to face off against the Colorado Buffaloes (9-2) on Monday, December 30th. This game will be played at CU Events Center in Boulder and televised on CBSS. Both team’s come into this one having won their previous games. Tip-off is set for 9:00 ET.

Iowa State Cyclones vs Colorado Buffaloes

The Cyclones Are Coming Off A Win

Iowa State improved to 10-1 on the season with a 99-72 win over Morgan State on Sunday. The Cyclones were heavy favorites at -42.5 but didn’t cover the spread. The total points for the game reached 171, surpassing the O/U line of 158.5.

Leading 50-34 at halftime, Iowa State added 49 points in the 2nd half while allowing 38. Despite the win, the Cyclones didn’t dominate as expected against the Bears.

The Buffaloes Are Coming Off A Win

Colorado Buffaloes Recent Game/Games

Colorado improved to 9-2 on the season with a 79-55 win over Bellarmine on Saturday. The Buffaloes were heavy favorites at -24.5, but they didn’t cover the spread. The game’s total points of 134 fell short of the 146.5 O/U line.

Colorado dominated the first half, leading 45-16, but they allowed 39 points in the second half while scoring 34. This letdown in the second half is something they’ll need to address moving forward.

Cyclones Offense Breakdown

Iowa State’s offense was firing on all cylinders in their latest game, putting up 99 points while shooting 61% from the field. Their effective field goal percentage was an impressive 67.8%, thanks in part to their 74.4% shooting on two-point attempts. From beyond the arc, the Cyclones hit 7 of 20 threes, good for 35%, and they connected on 20 of 26 free throws, shooting 76.9% from the line.

The Cyclones dished out 26 assists, with Keshon Gilbert leading the way with 7, and Curtis Jones adding 6. Tamin Lipsey and Gilbert both shot 8 of 9 from the field, with Lipsey adding 5 assists. Kameron Hobbs led the team with 23 points, hitting 3 of 6 from deep, while Amahrie Simpkins contributed 18 points and 8 rebounds.

Buffaloes Offense Breakdown

In their latest game, Colorado put up 79 points, shooting 46.8% from the field. Their effective field goal percentage was 51.6%, thanks to hitting 60.5% of their two-point attempts (23/38), while struggling from deep, making just 6 of 24 threes (25%).

At the line, the Buffaloes shot 78.9%, connecting on 15 of 19 free throws. They dished out 22 assists, with 10 offensive rebounds. Assane Diop led the way with 15 points in 17 minutes, shooting 7 of 11 from the floor.

Cyclones Team Defense

Iowa State struggled defensively, giving up 72 points on 61% shooting from the field. Their opponent was particularly effective inside, hitting 74% of their two-point attempts (29/39).

From beyond the arc, Iowa State allowed 7 threes on 20 attempts (35%). They also sent their opponent to the free-throw line 26 times, where they converted 20 (76%).

Buffaloes Team Defense

Iowa State’s defense struggled in their last game, giving up 72 points while allowing the opposing team to shoot 61% from the field. They were particularly vulnerable inside, where they allowed 29 two-point baskets on 39 attempts, a 74% conversion rate.

From beyond the arc, Iowa State’s defense gave up 7 threes on 20 attempts, a 35% shooting percentage. They also sent the other team to the free-throw line 26 times, where they converted 20 of those attempts, shooting 76%.

Cyclones vs Buffaloes Trends

• Iowa State has played well in their previous 5 road games, going 3-2 straight up. In this stretch, they averaged 77 points per game while allowing 70. The team also performed well vs the spread at 3-2.
• In their last five home games, Colorado has averaged 73 points per game while allowing 81. The team’s record in this stretch was 2-3 while going 3-2.
• In their last five games as the betting underdog, the Buffaloes have a straight up record of 2-3 and an ATS mark of 3-2.
• Through their last five games as the favorite, the Cyclones have an ATS record of 3-2 and a straight up mark of 5-0.

Cyclones vs Buffaloes Prediction

As the underdogs with a spread of +10.5, we recommend going with the Buffaloes on the point spread. We not only see them covering the spread but also have a strong likelihood of winning this one outright, especially if you’re seeking a higher payout on the moneyline.

Right now, the over/under line for the game is sitting at 146.5 and given that our model is projecting 146 points between the teams, we like the under.

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All odds are courtesy of Action247 Sportsbook. Good luck!!

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* All odds are provided by Action247 Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.**All views expressed are my own. My picks are my own and are not a guarantee, bet at your own risk.Action247 does not warrant the accuracy of completeness of the information, text, graphics, links or other items contained within these post.