The Texas Longhorns look to keep their post season hopes alive as they take on the Iowa State Cyclones today in the Big 12 Tournament. The game is scheduled for a 7:00 p.m. start time and it will be televised nationally on ESPNu. Currently the College Basketball Betting Odds for the game have the Cyclones listed as a small favorite to pick up the win.
Iowa State has been a solid team all season, playing in the tough Big 12 that has proven over the course of the year to be the best in college hoops. The Cyclones come into the conference tournament winners of two in a row after dropping a pair of games last week. The schedule hasn’t been easy, ranking 17th toughest in the country, and Iowa State really only has one bad loss on the resume.
Texas, on the other hand, can really help themselves today with a victory. Bracketologists have them currently in the field, but not firm enough that the Longhorns don’t have to worry. A close loss here might not hurt them as Iowa State’s RPI ranks 11th, but getting blown out can’t do them any good either.
The front line for the Longhorns could cause come issues for Iowa State on the glass, but note that the Cyclones dictated the style of play in each of the first two matchups as the pace of the game was high with both finishing in the 80s. If those is another high-scoring affair, Texas is probably looking at a third loss to Iowa State this season. The old saying in college hoops talks about how hard it is to beat a team three times in a given year, but Iowa State is a team that can do it, if they play defense.
Led by Georges Niang the Cyclones average almost 80 points a game but give up nearly 70 per game as well. The offense doesn’t take many nights off, but when the defense does, opponents hang around against the Cyclones.
Texas will need big games from Johnathan Holmes, Myles Turner and Cameron Ridley on the interior. The Horns have one of the biggest front lines in the country and they need it tonight.
The spread is a close one and Texas should look to slow it down. If they can, they’ll stay in the game. Iowa State just has too many weapons and will win the game down the stretch.
Free Pick: Iowa State 75, Texas 70
NCAA Basketball: Who Can Win it All?
Teddy Covers and Steve Fezzik from Pregame.com discuss who they feel will win it all in the NCAA Tournament, while throwing in some teams that have a chance to make a deep run in the tournament.
$25 of picks FREE! No Obligation - No Credit Card Required - Becoming a member is Fast and Free!
Get more Free Picks from the Pregame Pros HERE.
Be sure and check out Pregame.tv every week for our videos that include handicapping tips, Webinars, analysis and Free Plays.