Texas Tech Red Raiders vs Iowa State Cyclones Picks and Predictions January 11th 2025

Points Aplenty Expected When No. 3 Iowa State, Texas Tech Meet

A high-scoring showdown is on tap as No. 3 Iowa State visits Texas Tech on Saturday in Lubbock, Texas. Both teams bring prolific offenses into the Big 12 clash, setting the stage for what could be a thrilling contest.

Offensive Powerhouses Collide

Iowa State (13-1, 3-0 Big 12) leads the conference in scoring at 86.3 points per game, while Texas Tech (11-3, 2-1) is close behind at 85.5 points per contest. Both teams rank among the top 12 in the nation in scoring, making offense a focal point in this matchup.

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The Cyclones enter the game riding a 10-game winning streak, with three Big 12 wins during that span. Their latest was an 82-59 rout of Utah on Tuesday, showcasing their ability to dominate both inside and outside the arc.

Texas Tech is on a two-game win streak, highlighted by a 93-65 victory at Utah last Saturday and a gritty 72-67 comeback win at BYU on Tuesday. The Red Raiders’ ability to erase a halftime deficit at BYU marked their first such rally this season.

Cyclones’ Balanced Attack

Iowa State thrives on unselfish play and depth. Five players average in double figures, led by sixth man Curtis Jones (16.6 points per game) and Keshon Gilbert (16.2). Jones exploded for 23 points against Utah, continuing his impactful performances off the bench.

The Cyclones also average a conference-best 17.1 assists per game, a testament to their ball movement and chemistry. Coach T.J. Otzelberger emphasized the importance of maintaining physicality against Texas Tech’s active defense.

“Their activity level of their five men makes it not real easy to get into the paint,” Otzelberger said. “We’re going to have to match that effort and one-up that effort.”

Texas Tech’s offense has been efficient, leading the Big 12 in field-goal percentage (51.2%) and ranking second in 3-point shooting (39.4%). The Red Raiders have drained the fourth-most 3-pointers in the conference this season (136).

In their win at BYU, Elijah Hawkins was on fire, hitting six 3-pointers en route to 22 points. Darrion Williams added 18 points, seven rebounds, and four assists. Meanwhile, JT Toppin remains a consistent force, averaging 17.2 points and 9.1 rebounds per game.

“I think a key to our team is how well we’ve handled the ball and not turned it over,” Texas Tech coach Grant McCasland said. “It comes down to not trying to make too big of a play and just making the next simple play.”

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Key Matchup and History

Both teams are well-coached and disciplined, but the battle in the paint and at the perimeter will be crucial. Iowa State’s size advantage down low will challenge Texas Tech’s defensive activity.

The Cyclones haven’t won in Lubbock since the 2018-19 season, and Texas Tech has won eight of the last 11 games in the series.

What to Watch

• 3-Point Shooting: Texas Tech’s perimeter accuracy vs. Iowa State’s defensive adjustments.
• Assists and Turnovers: Both teams value ball movement; the one that minimizes mistakes will likely have the edge.
• Physicality Inside: Iowa State’s big men vs. Texas Tech’s scrappy interior defense.

With two potent offenses and contrasting styles, fans can expect fireworks in a matchup that could have significant Big 12 implications.