ES 
NFL Previews 
MLB Previews 
NBA Previews 
NHL Previews 
Soccer Previews 
Prediction 
Odds 
Last Recap 
Game Picks 
Top Handicapper 
No. 3 Iowa State Seeks 10th Straight Win Against Struggling Utah
Iowa State, riding a nine-game winning streak, looks to continue its dominance as it hosts Utah on Tuesday in Ames, Iowa. The Cyclones have been nearly unstoppable this season, sitting at 12-1 overall and 2-0 in Big 12 play, while the Utes (8-5, 0-2) aim to halt a three-game skid.
Free NCAAB Picks Are In! Get today’s top free college basketball picks to help you bet smart.
Cyclones’ Success Built on Depth and Defense
Iowa State’s roster features a balanced attack with five players averaging double figures. Keshon Gilbert leads the charge with 16.3 points and 5.0 assists per game, closely followed by Curtis Jones with 16.2 points. Milan Momcilovic (11.4 points), Joshua Jefferson (11.2), and Dishon Jackson (10.3) round out the offensive leaders.
The Cyclones are coming off an impressive 74-55 win over Baylor, highlighted by their stifling defense. They held the Bears to 29.7 percent shooting from the floor and 24.1 percent from beyond the arc.
“It just shows that we can win in so many different ways,” Gilbert said. “Even if we don’t turn people over, our defense comes first.”
Coach T.J. Otzelberger has emphasized a culture of discipline and focus. “We’re not as outcome-based,” he said. “We focus on our daily habits, staying humble, and doing the hard work.”
Utes Struggling to Find Answers
Utah is reeling from three consecutive losses, including a lopsided 93-65 defeat to Texas Tech. The Utes are led by twin brothers Gabe and Mason Madsen, who average 16.5 and 11.3 points per game, respectively. However, defensive lapses have been a recurring issue.
Wondering How To Win More?
Access Expert NCAAB Predictions Now!
“It was a potpourri of everything,” Utes coach Craig Smith said after the Texas Tech loss. “Got to get stops.”
Utah has struggled against ranked opponents, with a dismal 11-66 record in road games against Top 25 teams. Their last win over a ranked team came in December 2023 against then-No. 14 BYU.
Historical Context and Key Matchup
While Utah seeks its first win against a top-three team since 1976, Iowa State is thriving under first-year coach T.J. Otzelberger. The Cyclones’ deep rotation and defensive intensity make them a formidable challenge for a Utah team looking for consistency.
The matchup could hinge on how Utah handles Iowa State’s defensive pressure and balanced scoring. For the Cyclones, maintaining their defensive dominance and efficient ball movement will be key to extending their win streak to 10 games.
