It feels like Thursday’s tilt between No. 17 BYU and No. 12 Iowa State is coming a couple of rounds too early, but such is the depth of the Big 12 this season.
There are seven teams from the Big 12 in KenPom’s top 30 and four inside the AP Top 25.
When a conference shakes out like that, it’s almost unavoidable for two of the heavyweights square up in the early rounds.
This one has all the makings to be one of the best games of the week and the bookies see it that way too.
Iowa State is a 3.5-point favorite for Thursday afternoon’s showdown.
Find our breakdown and check out an exclusive offer from bet365 below.
Take advantage of Bet365 Sportsbook’s promo code NYPOST365 and get a $150 bonus for betting $5 on Iowa State vs. BYU.
Iowa State vs. BYU odds
| Team | Spread | Moneyline | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iowa State | -3.5 (-115) | -190 | Over 146.5 (-110) |
| BYU | +3.5 (-105) | +160 | Under 146.5 (-110) |
Iowa State vs. BYU betting preview
There are a lot of interesting factors at play for Thursday’s contest between BYU and Iowa State.
Right off the top, these two teams combined for one of the best games of the season a little more than a week ago.
That contest went to double overtime, with BYU taking home an 88-85 victory.
It also brings up the classic handicapping quandary of rust vs. rest
Iowa State wasn’t challenged by Cincinnati on Wednesday, but the Cyclones will still be playing their second game in as many days against a team that hasn’t played in five days.
And perhaps most importantly, this is a strength-versus-strength showdown.
Iowa State is the ninth-best defensive team in the country per KenPom’s efficiency rankings, while BYU grades out as 12th-best offensive unit.
Betting on College Basketball?
Iowa State vs. BYU pick
Most power rankings have Iowa State slightly ahead of BYU, but the difference is negligible. That played out just last week as these two squads went to double overtime in a back-and-forth classic.
All of this adds up to one conclusion: There is very little that separates these two teams, especially on a neutral court.
This one looks, feels, smells and sounds like a coin flip, and that puts value on the Cougars as an underdog on the moneyline.
Pick: BYU moneyline (+160, Bet365)
Get bet365’s sign-up offer for Iowa State vs. BYU
| Book | Promo Code | Offer |
|---|---|---|
| Bet365 | NYPOST365 | Bet $5 get $150 |
Feel like backing the Cougars?
There’s no better place to do so than at bet365 with their generous sign-up offer.
Still unconvinced that BYU has what it takes to get the job done?
Fade this pick and use the NYPOST365 promo code to get $150 in free bets at bet365. All you have to do is click the link above and get crackin’ on the bet.
Why Trust New York Post Betting
Michael Leboff is a long-suffering Islanders fan, but a long-profiting sports bettor with 10 years of experience in the gambling industry. He loves using game theory to help punters win bracket pools, find long shots, and learn how to beat the market in mainstream and niche sports.
Leave a Reply