Iowa State aims to extend its winning streak to seven games as it fine-tunes its game ahead of Big 12 Conference play against a Will Thomas-led Morgan State squad. The No. 3 Iowa State Cyclones (9-1) have one more nonconference hurdle before diving into the rigors of Big 12 play. With a dominant 83-51 victory over Omaha on Dec. 15, Iowa State is riding high on a six-game winning streak. Iowa State’s balanced offense is a major strength, with five players averaging double figures: The Cyclones’ nonconference schedule has also allowed head coach T.J. Otzelberger to develop depth. Reserve Brandton Chatfield has shown promise, averaging 3.2 points and 3.7 rebounds in limited action. With a perfect 6-0 home record, the
Missouri Tigers vs Illinois Fighting Illini Picks and Predictions December 22nd 2024
Riding a 10-game winning streak, Missouri takes on Illinois in the 42nd consecutive Braggin’ Rights rivalry game on Sunday in St. Louis. The Missouri Tigers (10-1) enter the rivalry matchup on a high, having upset then-No. 1 Kansas by nine points two weekends ago. Their 10-game winning streak has been fueled by depth and relentless defensive pressure, with 11 players averaging at least 10 minutes per game. This depth has allowed Missouri to rank eighth nationally in turnover percentage, forcing opponents to cough up the ball on 23.2 percent of possessions, according to KenPom. Head coach Dennis Gates emphasized the importance of maintaining their dominance in regional rivalries. Missouri’s leading scorer, Caleb Grill (13.6 points per game), has been out
Toronto-raptors vs Houston Rockets Picks and Predictions December 22nd 2024
The Houston Rockets look to capitalize on their recent momentum as they visit the Toronto Raptors, who are desperate to snap a six-game losing streak. The Toronto Raptors (10-18) have been competitive in their last two games but struggled to finish strong. On Monday, they fell 122-121 to the Chicago Bulls and followed that with a 101-94 loss to the Brooklyn Nets on Thursday after squandering a 10-point third-quarter lead. The Raptors fielded their youngest starting lineup in franchise history against Brooklyn, averaging just 22 years and 187 days old. Their inexperience showed, particularly in the fourth quarter, where they were outscored 31-18. Scottie Barnes, returning from a sprained ankle, scored 16 points but managed just two points in the
Wisconsin Badgers vs Detroit Mercy Titans Picks and Predictions December 22nd 2024
Wisconsin hosts Detroit Mercy on Sunday, seeking to build momentum after ending a three-game skid, while the Titans aim to break a long drought against Big Ten opponents. The Wisconsin Badgers (9-3) return to Madison feeling optimistic after snapping a three-game losing streak with an 83-74 victory over Butler on Dec. 14. The win showcased Wisconsin’s balanced offensive attack, with four players averaging double figures in scoring. Head coach Greg Gard appreciates the improvement but emphasizes the importance of defensive discipline and ball movement as they approach their final nonconference games. Detroit Mercy (5-8) enters Sunday’s matchup under the leadership of first-year head coach Mark Montgomery, a longtime Michigan State assistant. Montgomery’s familiarity with Wisconsin from his Big Ten tenure
Virginia Cavaliers vs American University Eagles Picks and Predictions December 22nd 2024
The Virginia Cavaliers aim to return to the win column as they host the American Eagles in Charlottesville, Va., on Sunday. The Virginia Cavaliers (6-5) are coming off a narrow 64-62 home loss to No. 21 Memphis, their first defeat at John Paul Jones Arena this season. Despite the setback, the Cavaliers saw a standout performance from their lone senior, Taine Murray. Murray matched his career high with 14 points, shooting 5-of-9 from the field in 26 minutes off the bench. His effort provided a much-needed spark for Virginia, which has been searching for consistency throughout the nonconference schedule. Virginia interim coach Ron Sanchez praised Murray’s energy and contributions. As the Cavaliers wrap up their nonconference slate, they’ll look to