NFL Previews 
MLB Previews 
NBA Previews 
NHL Previews 
Soccer Previews 
Baylor Bears vs Iowa State Cyclones Picks and Predictions – January 7th 2026
Two of the Big 12’s toughest squads meet in Ames as the Baylor Bears travel to face the Iowa State Cyclones on Wednesday, January 7th. Tipoff is set for 8:00 PM ET at Hilton Coliseum, a building that’s been a nightmare for visiting teams all season. Baylor sits at 12–3 overall and is trying to keep pace in the top tier of the conference. Iowa State is 11–4 and remains perfect at home, where they’ve smothered nearly everyone who walks in.
This is a matchup of elite guard play vs disruptive defense. Baylor has firepower from the perimeter, but Iowa State turns games into chaos. For bettors, the angle comes down to tempo control and which team can force the other out of rhythm.
Win More, Guess Less
Your Shortcut to Smarter Betting Decisions
Baylor Bears vs Iowa State Cyclones Odds
Here are the current betting lines. Always track the latest college basketball odds before making any plays.
| Team | Moneyline | Spread | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baylor Bears | +120 | +2.5 (-110) | O 140.5 (-110) |
| Iowa State Cyclones | -140 | -2.5 (-110) | U 140.5 (-110) |
Baylor Bears Betting Form
Baylor continues to ride one of the most explosive offenses in the country. Their guards — headlined by Ja’Kobe Walter and RayJ Dennis — can create off the bounce, shoot from range, and punish switches. Offensively, they rank top-15 in KenPom’s adjusted efficiency and shoot over 38% from three. The Bears run a crisp offense, and they don’t rely much on post-ups, which helps neutralize interior mismatches.
Defensively, it’s a different story. They’re improving, but Baylor still gives up too many open threes and can struggle on the defensive glass. That’s a concern in this spot against a team like Iowa State that plays physical and extends possessions.
You can find full team metrics and game logs on the Baylor stats and results. Be sure to check the Baylor injury report before tip — any missing guard could swing the matchup.
Iowa State Cyclones Betting Form
The Cyclones are 9–0 at home this season and have covered in seven of those games. They thrive on pressure defense, ranking top-5 nationally in turnover rate and opponent FG%. T.J. Otzelberger’s team blitzes ball-handlers, collapses the lane, and rotates with discipline. When they get the crowd involved early, their energy often snowballs — and teams like Baylor that rely on rhythm can unravel quickly.
Offensively, Iowa State isn’t flashy, but they don’t have to be. They control tempo, move the ball well, and get enough from their forwards inside to punish small lineups. Tamin Lipsey has stepped up as a reliable playmaker, and the Cyclones play with great poise at home in late-game spots.
Check the Iowa State schedule and stats for game trends. Monitor the Iowa State injury report to confirm full availability before placing a bet.
Gonzaga Bulldogs
vs
Santa Clara Broncos
Open
vs
Jan 08, 2026 23:30 EST
–
Score
–
-15.00 -106
Spread
+15.00 -106
o+166.50-108
Total
u+166.50-108
–
Moneyline
–
Loyola Marymount Lions
vs
San Francisco Dons
Open
vs
Jan 08, 2026 23:00 EST
–
Score
–
-1.00 -106
Spread
+1.00 -106
o+138.50-108
Total
u+138.50-108
–
Moneyline
–
Oregon Ducks
vs
Ohio State Buckeyes
Open
vs
Jan 08, 2026 22:30 EST
–
Score
–
–
Spread
–
o+153.50-108
Total
u+153.50-108
–
Moneyline
–
Baylor Bears vs Iowa State Cyclones Matchup Breakdown
This game hinges on control — who sets the pace, who wins the turnover margin, and who stays out of foul trouble. Baylor wants to play smooth, fast-paced offense with open looks from deep. Iowa State wants the opposite: slow it down, deny passing lanes, and force isolation plays late in the shot clock.
Key edges to consider:
- Turnover battle: Iowa State forces over 18 TOs per game; Baylor gives it up just 11 times on average. Something’s got to give.
- Shooting splits: Baylor is elite from deep. Iowa State holds opponents to under 29% from three.
- Home court: Hilton Coliseum has been a fortress. Iowa State has blown out several ranked teams there this season.
- Tempo: Baylor plays faster, but the Cyclones are masters at dragging games into their style.
This isn’t a great matchup for Baylor unless they start hot and can shoot their way through the press early. Otherwise, Iowa State’s defense could strangle the tempo.
Brush up on your analysis skills with our college basketball betting guide to sharpen your edges.
Track Every Line Move Before It Happens
Stay Ahead of the Public, Every Time
Baylor Bears vs Iowa State Cyclones Predictions and Best Bets
This is a tough spot for Baylor. While their backcourt can hang with anyone, Iowa State’s home defense has been nearly impenetrable. If Baylor isn’t hitting early threes, they’ll struggle to score consistently. Iowa State’s ability to force live-ball turnovers could be the difference, especially if they get out in transition.
The spread is tight, but I lean Iowa State -2.5. The projection has them winning by 5–6, and I trust their defense and home-court advantage more than Baylor’s shot-making on the road.
As for the total, 140.5 feels a bit high considering Iowa State’s pace. Unless Baylor gets into the 70s, this could land in the 130s. First-half under is another interesting look — it might take Baylor a while to settle in.
Best Bet: Iowa State -2.5 (-110).
NCAAB Picks and Handicappers on ScoresAndStats
Want more winning angles? Visit today’s college basketball picks for expert analysis and predictions.
At ScoresAndStats, we don’t just list picks — we track every expert on our handicapper leaderboard to help you make smarter decisions. Whether you’re looking for long-term ROI or daily betting edges, our top sports handicappers have you covered.
Want premium plays? Check out the buy expert picks page for guaranteed selections from proven winners
