Iowa State Cyclones at Texas Tech Red Raiders Pick – Odds and Point Spread Predictions

The Texas Tech Red Raiders look like a real threat to win the Big 12 this season, and they are off to a great start. The Red Raiders will look to stay unbeaten in conference play when they host the Iowa State Cyclones on Wednesday night. Both teams are currently ranked in the top 25 in the latest AP poll.

Texas Tech comes into this game with a 15-1 record and have won their first four Big 12 games this season. The Red Raiders only loss of the season came against top-ranked Duke in a game played in December. Iowa State is 12-4 on the season and got off to a great start in conference play. The Cyclones have lost their last two Big 12 games and need a road win to stop the skid.

Red Raiders Solid On Defense

The most impressive thing about Texas Tech this season has been their relentless defense. The Red Raiders are allowing just 54.0 points per game this season, which is the second-best scoring defense in the country. Texas Tech has a ton of length that enables them to challenge their opponents, but they will have a tough test in this game. Look for Texas Tech to try to slow the game down and keep this game in the 60’s.

Sophomore guard Jarrett Culver is having a monster season to lead the Texas Tech offense. Culver is averaging close to 19 points per game and is shooting 57 percent from the field. Senior guard Matt Mooney is one of the best shooters in college basketball and is averaging 11.4 points per game. The Red Raiders don’t have an explosive offense, but Culver and Mooney give Texas Tech plenty of offense.

Cyclones Have Plenty of Talent

Iowa State might be one of the most talented teams in the Big 12. The Cyclones can put up points in a hurry, but they have struggled to score of late. On the season, Iowa State is averaging 79.8 points per game, while giving up just 64.6. If the Cyclones are going to upset Texas Tech in this game, they will need to push the tempo and keep the pressure on the Texas Tech defense. Iowa State loves to shoot the three, and are making over 36 percent of their attempts.

The Cyclones have four different players averaging double-figures, led by Marial Shayok. Shayok is averaging 19.4 points per game and is shooting 52 percent from the field. Freshman Talen Horton-Tucker might be the most talented Iowa State player and looks like a one-and-done type of talent. The Cyclones are shooting over 72 percent from the free-throw line, and draw a ton of fouls. The Iowa State offense will have to carry them in this game.