Iowa State Cyclones vs. Texas Longhorns 2/6/24 – As the college basketball season heats up, the Iowa State Cyclones prepare to face off against the Texas Longhorns in a compelling Big 12 showdown. This matchup promises to be a pivotal clash for both teams as they aim to solidify their standings and push for a postseason berth. With both teams showcasing impressive talents and strategic depth, this game is a must-watch for fans and bettors alike, especially those looking for college basketball winning free picks.
Iowa State Cyclones vs. Texas Longhorns 2/6/24
| When: | Tuesday, February 6, 2024, at 8:00 PM ET |
|---|---|
| Where: | Moody Center |
| TV: | LHN |
| Stream: | SofaScore |
| Team | SP/RL | TOTAL | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cyclones | +2 -110 | o143.5 -110 | +110 |  |
| Longhorns | -2 -110 | u143.5 -110 | -130 | |
| ||||
Shots Up. #Cyclones | #C5C pic.twitter.com/sIxwdFf81r
— Iowa State Men’s Basketball (@CycloneMBB) February 6, 2024
Keshon Gilbert (Guard) vs. Max Abmas (Guard)
Iowa State’s Keshon Gilbert is the engine that makes the Cyclones offense run. The junior guard averages 14.2 points, 4.6 rebounds and 4.1 assists per game while shooting 47.6% from the field. An exceptional ball-handler and passer, Gilbert facilitates Iowa State’s motion offense masterfully. His scoring comes both attacking the rim off the dribble and with a solid mid-range jumper. Gilbert will look to push the pace and find open looks for his teammates.
Matching up against Gilbert is Texas sharpshooter Max Abmas. The senior guard leads the Longhorns with 17.9 points per game on 44.9% shooting, including nearly 40% from downtown. An elite shooter with unlimited range, Abmas moves expertly without the ball to get open looks. He also beats defenders off the dribble when they close out too hard on the perimeter. His ability to stretch the defense will test Iowa State’s help rotations all night. Expect fireworks when these two dynamic guards match up.
This clash of styles between Gilbert’s playmaking and Abmas’ shooting favors the Longhorns. Iowa State lacks a true perimeter stopper who can chase Abmas around screens all night. Meanwhile, Texas has some lengthy wings to throw at Gilbert. If Abmas gets loose early for some threes, it could force Iowa State to collapse on drives, opening up the Longhorn offense.
Cyclones’ Strategic Depth: A Closer Look
Led by Gilbert, the Cyclones feature an efficient offense ranking 36th nationally at 79.9 PPG. They take good care of the ball, evidenced by only 11.1 turnovers per game. Iowa State moves well without the ball and cuts hard to take advantage of Gilbert’s distribution skills. They rebound aggressively, pulling down 35 boards per contest. The Cyclones shoot the 3 at 35.5%, so they have enough firepower to keep pace if Texas gets hot.
Longhorns’ Balanced Attack and Defense: A Detailed Analysis
The Longhorns own an imposing defense allowing just 64.8 PPG, 39th best in the country. Texas protects the rim very effectively thanks to elite shot blocker Dylan Disu. Their perimeter defense remains suspect though, as quick guards can beat Texas off the dribble. The Longhorns play disciplined defense, staying home on shooters and keeping opponents off the foul line. They clean up the glass with 35.1 rebounds per game on the year.
NCAAB Betting Odds: TBD, Over/Under: TBD
With betting odds yet to be determined, bettors should closely monitor the spread and moneyline as they become available. The key to successful betting in this matchup will lie in analyzing the teams’ offensive and defensive efficiencies, recent performances, and especially the head-to-head battle between Gilbert and Abmas.
Trends
Iowa State Cyclones Betting Trends
Iowa State are 4-1 in their last 5 games.
Cyclones are 3-2 in their last 5 games against the spread.
Iowa State are 2-4 in their road games against the spread.
The totals have gone OVER in 4 of Iowa State’ last 5 games.
The totals have gone OVER in 9 of Iowa State’ 14 last games at home.
Texas Longhorns Betting Trends
Texas are 2-3 in their last 5 games.
Longhorns are 2-3 in their last 5 games against the spread.
Texas are 2-4 in their road games against the spread.
The totals have gone OVER in 4 of Texas’ last 5 games.
The totals have gone OVER in 8 of Texas’ 15 last games at home.
Iowa State Cyclones vs. Texas Longhorns Betting Picks
Given the statistical analysis and betting trends, this game appears to be a closely matched contest, likely to be decided by key player performances and tactical executions. Bettors should consider the OVER on total points as a promising pick, given both teams’ tendencies to engage in high-scoring games. As for the winner, the game could tilt in favor of the home team, Texas, considering their slightly better field goal and 3-point shooting percentages.
When seeking to place bets, bettors should look towards best casino online sites that offer comprehensive betting options, including prop bets that might focus on individual performances like points scored by Abmas or Gilbert. The ability to capitalize on these nuanced betting opportunities could be the key to successful wagering on this game.
Score Prediction: Texas 82, Iowa State 78
