Colorado Buffaloes vs Iowa State Cyclones Picks and Predictions December 30th 2024

No. 3 Iowa State, Colorado Clash in Big 12 Opener

As Big 12 play begins, No. 3 Iowa State hits the road to face Colorado on Monday night, marking the 150th all-time meeting between the two programs. Despite a dominant win in their first encounter this season, the Cyclones understand the rematch in Boulder will present a new challenge.

Iowa State Prioritizing Defense

After a successful nonconference campaign, Iowa State coach T.J. Otzelberger is emphasizing the importance of defense as his team transitions into league play.

“When you enter into league play, I think it becomes even more important when you go on the road that you’re a team that focuses on getting stops on the defensive end of the floor,” Otzelberger said. “Defense travels.”

The Cyclones (10-1) demonstrated their defensive and offensive prowess in a 99-71 win over Colorado (9-2) on Nov. 27 at the Maui Invitational. Milan Momcilovic led the charge with 24 points as Iowa State shot 60.3 percent from the field while holding Colorado to 41.8 percent. However, Otzelberger knows the Buffaloes will be a tougher opponent on their home court, where they are 8-0 this season.

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Balanced Scoring Fuels Cyclones

Iowa State’s offense is powered by a balanced attack, with six players averaging double-digit points. Keshon Gilbert leads the team at 16.5 points per game, followed by Curtis Jones (16.0). Milan Momcilovic (11.6), Joshua Jefferson (11.5), Dishon Jackson (11.0), and Tamin Lipsey (10.1) provide additional scoring depth.

The Cyclones enter Monday’s game riding a seven-game winning streak and look to extend their success in a tough road environment.

Colorado’s Improvements Since Maui

Since their loss to Iowa State, Colorado has won four straight games and refined their offensive execution. Buffaloes coach Tad Boyle has credited the improvement to better ball movement and shot selection.

“The assist totals have been a function of taking care of the ball — you’ve got to take care of it to get an assist, obviously — and sharing the ball,” Boyle said. “That’s why teams with high assists are usually high-functioning, high-efficiency teams.”

Colorado is led by Julian Hammond III, who averages 13.1 points per game, with Elijah Malone (12.0) and Andrej Jakimovski (11.2) also contributing in double figures. Trevor Baskin leads the team in rebounding at 6.5 boards per game.

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A Historic Rivalry

This will be the 150th meeting between the programs, with Iowa State leading the series 79-70. However, Colorado has historically dominated at home, holding a 48-17 advantage in Boulder. The Cyclones aim to reverse that trend while staying focused despite their previous 28-point victory.

“They’ve got a terrific coach,” Otzelberger said of Boyle. “When we played them the first time, their roster was so new from last year. Now those guys have had more opportunities to play together and have success. We’ve got to focus on the things we can do.”

The matchup promises to be a significant early test in the Big 12 season, with Iowa State striving to maintain its top form and Colorado eager to defend its home court.

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