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UCF Knights vs Iowa State Cyclones Picks and Predictions January 20th 2026
Tuesday’s Big 12 slate includes a lopsided matchup in Ames, as Iowa State hosts UCF at Hilton Coliseum. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM ET, and the Cyclones are heavy 13.5-point favorites at home. The moneyline reflects the gap — Iowa State sits at -1241, with UCF at +694. The total is posted at 156.5, suggesting some scoring despite the expected blowout.
UCF has shown flashes this season, but they’ve been overwhelmed against top-tier competition. Iowa State, meanwhile, continues to dominate at home and has covered big numbers with consistency. This line is steep, but there’s justification for it — especially considering how the Cyclones handle their business at Hilton.
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UCF Knights vs Iowa State Cyclones Odds
Here’s a look at the current odds for UCF vs Iowa State. Be sure to monitor the latest college basketball odds for line movement and updates before placing bets.
| Team | Moneyline | Spread | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| UCF Knights | +694 | +13.5 (-109) | O 156.5 (-112) |
| Iowa State Cyclones | -1241 | -13.5 (-116) | U 156.5 (-112) |
UCF Knights Betting Form
UCF has been inconsistent, particularly on the offensive end. They’ve failed to break 70 points in three of their last five, and their turnover rate has been an issue all year. While the Knights do have some athleticism and perimeter talent, they’ve struggled to convert against disciplined defenses — and Iowa State fits that profile perfectly.
Defensively, UCF tries to apply pressure, but it often leads to breakdowns in the halfcourt. Their rebounding has also been a liability, especially on the defensive glass. That’s a dangerous mix against a Cyclones team that thrives on second-chance scoring and punishing mistakes.
You can dive deeper into the UCF Knights stats and results and monitor the UCF Knights injury report for any late lineup changes.
Iowa State Cyclones Betting Form
Iowa State has been one of the best ATS teams at home this season. The Cyclones rank among the national leaders in defensive efficiency and turnover creation. They swarm the ball, rotate hard, and make you work for every shot. At Hilton Coliseum, the energy feeds that defense — and it shows in the final scores.
Offensively, they’re not explosive, but they’re extremely efficient. Their ball movement is crisp, and they generate a ton of points off opponent mistakes. Against a sloppy UCF team, that turnover margin could balloon. Iowa State also gets to the line at a high rate, which helps them stretch margins late.
Review the Iowa State Cyclones schedule and stats and stay current with the Iowa State Cyclones injury report before locking in bets.
UCF Knights vs Iowa State Cyclones Matchup Breakdown
This game comes down to execution and pressure. UCF has shown cracks under ball pressure, and Iowa State is elite in that category. Add in the crowd boost and home-court advantage, and it’s easy to see why oddsmakers pushed this spread past 13 points.
Matchup edges:
- Turnover differential should heavily favor Iowa State
- Cyclones dominate on the glass, especially at home
- UCF struggles to score in the halfcourt — a major problem against ISU’s defense
- Total is high, but UCF’s offensive inefficiency could limit pace impact
While both teams play with pace at times, Iowa State’s ability to control the tempo and impose their will makes a high-scoring back-and-forth less likely.
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UCF Knights vs Iowa State Cyclones Predictions and Best Bets
Iowa State should control this game wire-to-wire. UCF has athletic tools, but they haven’t been able to string together possessions against top defenses. The spread is big, but the matchup fits Iowa State’s strengths — pressure defense, rebounding, and steady halfcourt execution.
The total at 156.5 feels inflated. UCF hasn’t been efficient offensively, and Iowa State’s defense tends to drag opponents into lower scoring outcomes. If the Cyclones lead comfortably, expect slower possessions late and fewer transition chances overall.
Best Bet: Iowa State Cyclones -13.5 (-116)
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