Iowa State Cyclones vs Houston Christian Huskies Picks and Predictions December 29th 2025

Iowa State Cyclones vs Houston Christian Huskies Picks and Predictions – December 29, 2025

Iowa State closes its non-conference slate on Monday night with a tune-up game against Houston Christian at Hilton Coliseum. Tipoff is scheduled for 8:00 PM ET. The Cyclones are 11–1 and ranked inside the AP Top 15, dominating at both ends of the floor. Houston Christian, at 3–9, enters after being blown out in three straight games against mid-major competition.

Oddsmakers have Iowa State laying nearly 40 points, with the total around 148.5. The Cyclones average over 90 points per game and are top 5 nationally in scoring margin. Houston Christian, on the other hand, ranks bottom 20 in defensive efficiency. This one isn’t about who wins — it’s about how bad the final score gets.

Iowa State Cyclones vs Houston Christian Huskies Odds

Below are the current betting lines. Make sure to track the latest college basketball odds closer to tip for any late movement.

Team	Moneyline	Spread	Total
Iowa State Cyclones	-20000	-38.5 (-110)	U 148.5 (-110)
Houston Christian Huskies	+3000	+38.5 (-110)	O 148.5 (-110)

Iowa State Cyclones Betting Form

Iowa State has been steamrolling lesser competition. They’re putting up 90.5 points per game, with a +26 average scoring margin. Tamin Lipsey has emerged as one of the most efficient guards in the Big 12, and the team is stacked with two-way wings who can score, defend, and run in transition.

Defensively, they’re even better. The Cyclones rank top 10 in opponent turnover rate and hold teams to under 60 points per game on average. They’ve covered double-digit spreads in five of their last six, and in these mismatched non-conference games, they don’t let up — even when the bench is on the floor.

Check out their full Iowa State stats and results, and always monitor player availability using the Iowa State injury report before tipoff.

Houston Christian Huskies Betting Form

Houston Christian has been one of the most vulnerable defenses in college basketball. They allow over 85 points per game and struggle to contain dribble drives or defend the three-point line. Offensively, they try to play fast, but their turnovers and poor shot selection often fuel opponent runs.

This team hasn’t shown much ability to hang around in games like this. They’ve lost four games this season by 35+ points, and this may be the toughest opponent they’ve seen yet. Their only hope of covering is if Iowa State pulls starters extremely early and the Cyclones go cold.

You can dive into their recent form by checking the Houston Christian schedule and stats, and confirm availability on the Houston Christian injury report.

Iowa State Cyclones vs Houston Christian Huskies Matchup Breakdown

This is a size, speed, and skill mismatch. Iowa State ranks top 10 in nearly every major defensive category and doesn’t let off the gas in home games. Houston Christian simply doesn’t have the ball-handling or rim protection to survive 40 minutes of Cyclone pressure.

Matchup angles:

• Iowa State forces 18.2 turnovers per game.
• Houston Christian commits turnovers on 21% of their possessions.
• ISU’s bench scores 35+ PPG in blowouts.
• Houston Christian allows opponents to shoot 57% inside the arc.

There’s not much else to analyze — this is one of the largest efficiency gaps you’ll find in D1 basketball this week. The only concern for spread bettors is how early Iowa State rotates — but even the bench tends to extend leads, not give them back.

Iowa State Cyclones vs Houston Christian Huskies Predictions and Best Bets

There’s blowout potential here — and Iowa State has shown they’ll follow through. They’ve covered multiple 30+ point spreads already this year and have done it by overwhelming teams in the first 10 minutes. If they jump out early again, the Huskies won’t have a response.

As for the total, it’s not easy to call. If Iowa State hits 90+, and Houston Christian reaches the 60s, the Over is live. But with the Huskies’ scoring struggles and ISU’s defense, the Under might sneak in. Leaning just slightly to the Under — but the spread is the sharper edge.

Best Bet: Iowa State -38.5 (-110).

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