Iowa State Cyclones vs Baylor Bears Picks and Predictions January 4th 2025

No. 25 Baylor braces for battle vs. No. 3 Iowa State

Basketball fans are in for a treat as No. 3 Iowa State hosts No. 25 Baylor in a pivotal Big 12 Conference clash on Saturday afternoon in Ames, Iowa. Both teams bring impressive credentials, making this matchup one of the season’s most anticipated early conference games.

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Battle of Depth and Versatility

When Baylor coach Scott Drew scouted Iowa State, he noticed something familiar: depth, skill, and toughness—hallmarks of a great team.

“I think they’re similar to us—a lot of players in double figures, a lot of guys capable of scoring 20,” Drew said. “Really good teams have more than one weapon.”

Indeed, this game will showcase two teams with balanced scoring, strong defenses, and a hunger to dominate in the Big 12. Iowa State (11-1, 1-0 Big 12) is looking to extend its 7-0 home record, while Baylor (9-3, 1-0) aims to overcome its 0-2 road struggles.

Iowa State: A Balanced and Defensive Powerhouse

Iowa State enters the game riding high after a 79-69 road victory against Colorado, demonstrating why it is one of the nation’s top teams. The Cyclones’ depth is evident, with six players averaging double figures in scoring:

• Keshon Gilbert and Curtis Jones lead the way, each averaging 16.3 points per game.
• Joshua Jefferson provides both scoring (11.6 points) and rebounding (8.3 per game), while showcasing elite defensive instincts, including an eight-steal performance in the last game.
• Milan Momcilovic, Dishon Jackson, and Tamin Lipsey round out the scoring leaders with averages above 10 points per game.

Iowa State coach T.J. Otzelberger takes pride in his team’s defense, praising Jefferson’s ability to anticipate plays and disrupt opponents.

“Defensively, he’s extremely intelligent,” Otzelberger said. “He finishes a lot of possessions. … We just need him to continue climbing.”

With a top-tier defense and an offense capable of overwhelming opponents, the Cyclones are a formidable foe, especially at Hilton Coliseum, where they thrive.

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Baylor: Resilient and Ready for the Challenge

Baylor is building momentum with a four-game winning streak, including a dominant 81-56 win against Utah in their conference opener. Despite an 0-2 record in true road games, Drew is optimistic that Baylor’s tough nonconference schedule will pay dividends.

“The best thing we did was play that first game at Gonzaga,” Drew said. “The Big 12 environments are great, but there’s nothing that’s going to blow you away when you’ve been at those two [Gonzaga and UConn].”

The Bears are led by Norchard Omier, who averages a double-double with 16.1 points and 10.9 rebounds per game, along with 1.6 steals and 1.2 blocks. Omier is supported by a talented cast:

• Robert Wright III (13.1 PPG)
• Jeremy Roach (12.5 PPG)
• VJ Edgecombe (12.4 PPG)
• Jayden Nunn (11.4 PPG)

Baylor’s depth mirrors Iowa State’s, but the Bears will need their younger players to step up in a challenging road atmosphere.

Key Matchups to Watch

This game promises an exciting showdown between two versatile teams.

• Norchard Omier vs. Joshua Jefferson: Both are dominant forces on the boards and in the paint, making their battle a key storyline.
• Cyclones’ Defense vs. Bears’ Offense: Iowa State’s ability to force turnovers and disrupt offensive flow will test Baylor’s efficiency.
• Hilton Coliseum’s Atmosphere: With Baylor’s young roster facing a raucous crowd, composure will be critical.

What’s at Stake

Beyond the immediate thrill of a top-25 clash, this game could set the tone for the Big 12 race. A win for Iowa State would solidify its dominance, while a road victory for Baylor could signal its readiness to contend for the conference title.

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Prediction and Outlook

Iowa State’s undefeated home record and balanced scoring give it a slight edge, but Baylor’s experience against elite nonconference opponents makes it a dangerous underdog. Expect a closely contested game that showcases the best of college basketball.

Final Thoughts
As the Cyclones and Bears prepare to face off, fans can anticipate a battle defined by depth, defense, and determination. This Big 12 showdown could be a preview of high-stakes encounters later in the season, with both teams eyeing a deep postseason run.