A massive top 10 matchup in the Big 12 caps Monday’s college basketball schedule. AP No. 2 Arizona hosts No. 6 Iowa State in a pivotal showdown between two of the nation’s best teams.
The Wildcats welcomed back freshman Koa Peat on Saturday, dismantling No. 14 Kansas by 23 points at home, extending their winning streak to four games.
Iowa State lost to No. 10 Texas Tech over the weekend, falling to fourth in the conference standings.
To no one’s surprise, Tommy Lloyd and Arizona are 7.5-point favorites, with the point total sitting at 149.5.
Iowa State vs. Arizona: prediction, best bet
One key matchup to keep an eye out for is the Wildcats Peat and St. Mary’s transfer Joshua Jefferson for the Cyclones.
Jefferson is highly underrated, able to post up and create scoring opportunities for himself and teammates near the basket. The 6-foot-9 forward averages 16.8 points while also leading the team in rebounds (7.4) and assists (5.2)
He blends perfectly with sharpshooter Milan Momcilovic, who leads the nation in 3-point shooting (50.9%).
The issue T.J. Otzelberger’s Cyclones have run into is that their offense grows stagnant and less effective on the road.
Iowa State’s field goal percentage went ice-cold in recent away losses at Texas Tech (39%) and BYU (43%).
This plays into the Wildcats’ hands as their third-rated defensive efficiency of 89.9 per KenPom can stifle opponents.
In fact, no team in the Big 12 guards the 3-point line tighter than Arizona, holding opponents to just 31.5% from beyond the arc.
Arizona’s offense is paced by leading scorer Brayden Burries and Jaden Bradley out of the backcourt, who provide ample shot-creating.
Peat can also fill the box score offensively in many ways.
Betting on College Basketball?
In his return, the likely one-and-done NBA prospect scored 12 points, grabbed seven rebounds, and dished out five assists in Arizona’s 84-61 win over Kansas.
Starting center Motiejus Krivas and key reserve Tobe Awaka join Peat in crashing the boards, as the Wildcats average 43.3 rebounds per game, which is second-best in the nation.
Arizona is eyeing the Big 12 regular season title, and while I think the Cyclones will hang tough, I like the Wildcats to win.
The crowd at the McKale Center will be ruckus, as a whiteout and Senior Night is set for this game.
A couple of under trends have also solidified my picks, as the Under is 5-0 in Arizona’s last five games outright and 5-0 in the Cyclones’ last five road tilts.
The Plays: Arizona moneyline + Under 149.5 total points (+148, DraftKings Sportsbook)
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