Houston Cougars (14-0) vs. Iowa State Cyclones (11-3)
Houston Cougars vs. Iowa State Cyclones 1/9/24 – On Tuesday night in an eagerly anticipated NCAA Men’s Basketball matchup, the unbeaten Houston Cougars will meet Iowa State Cyclones. This Tuesday encounter is sure to deliver top-tier college basketball action and makes for great NCAAB free predictions. Fans and analysts are buzzing with anticipation and speculation ahead of this game being broadcast live on ESP2, potentially ending Houston Cougars unblemished record at James H. Hilton Coliseum as their perfect record is at stake!
Houston Cougars have been an outstanding team this season, boasting an unbeaten 14-0 record that speaks volumes of their on-court dominance. Their offense averages an impressive 76.9 points per game thanks to an efficient field goal percentage of 44.6%; 3-point shooting (35.8%) and free throw accuracy (66.8%) have also contributed significantly to this offensive success. Defensively, Houston stands out with 41.1 rebounds per game plus steals (11.1) and blocks (5.6), underlining their true prowess both offensively and defensively.
Iowa State Cyclones boasting an 11-3 record boasts their own impressive stats. Averaging 84.6 points per game, they outdo the Cougars offensively; field goal percentage at 49.9% and 3-point shooting of 36.7% attests to their potency as scorers. While slightly lower in terms of reboundage (37.2 per game), Iowa State offers higher assist rates (18.4 per game) and steals (11.6 per game), evidence that these players not only excel offensively but are equally adept defensively as players.
Houston Cougars vs. Iowa State Cyclones 1/9/24 Game Info
| When: | Tuesday, January 9, at 7:00 PM ET |
| Where: | James H. Hilton Coliseum |
| TV: | ESP2 |
| Stream: | Sofascore |
L.J. Cryer (Guard) vs. Tamin Lipsey (Guard)
L.J Cryer has been the catalyst for the Houston offense thanks to his team-high 16.9 points per game average. The junior shoots lights out from distance at nearly 40% and has the capability to score points in bunches. His offensive talent makes it difficult for opponents to key on any single Cougars player. However, Cryer can struggle against bigger guards on the defensive end.
Tamin Lipsey stepped up in a big way for Iowa State after losing several key players from last year’s team. The sophomore fills up the stat sheet on a nightly basis in points, rebounds, assists and steals. Lipsey’s court vision and passing ability allows him to set up teammates for easy looks. Although he has some turnover issues at times, Lipsey will need to take care of the ball against Houston’s disruptive defense.
When these two elite guards match up, the game could hinge on which player is able to dictate the tempo and flow. If Cryer gets hot from three early, Iowa State may have to switch their defensive coverage. Likewise, if Lipsey can penetrate and create for others, it may force Houston out of their comfort zone. This guard battle presents one of the game’s most critical showdowns.
bilities to control the game’s tempo.
NCAAB Odds/Point Spread: TBD, Total Odds: TBD
As the betting odds are yet to be determined, predicting the game’s outcome becomes a challenge. However, based on current team and player performances, the odds are likely to be closely matched.
Houston Cougars Betting Trends
Houston has been reliable for bettors this season, covering the spread in 3 of their last 5 contests. However, the Cougars have struggled to cover when playing on the road, doing so just once in their previous 4 away matchups. With a perfect 14-0 record, Houston has also been a smart play on the moneyline in recent outings.
Iowa State Cyclones Betting Trends
The Cyclones were on an impressive 7-game winning streak before faltering in their most recent road test. Now back home, Iowa State will look to bounce back strong, having covered 3 of their last 5 games overall. The over has hit in 7 of the Cyclones’ previous 10 home games, signaling their capable offense.
Houston Cougars vs. Iowa State Cyclones 1/9/24 Betting Picks
Based on the analysis and betting trends, this game is shaping up to be a closely contested battle. Both teams have their strengths, with the Cougars’ defensive edge clashing against the Cyclones’ offensive firepower. My final recommendation, in this case, would lean slightly towards the Houston Cougars, primarily due to their unbeaten record and defensive capabilities. For prop bets and over/under, considering both teams’ scoring abilities, betting on the OVER might be a wise choice. Keeping in mind the handicapper best picks, this game could very well be decided by the smallest of margins.
Free Pick and Prediction: Houston Cougars 78, Iowa State Cyclones 74