NCAA Basketball Betting Picks: Kansas at Iowa State

The Kansas Jayhawks will look to make it three consecutive impressive victories on Saturday when they take on the Iowa State Cyclones. Bill Self’s club has won two straight following a three-game skid and is now regaining the confidence of the masses. The Cyclones are a (-1) home favorite despite having lost three of their last four games, and the total is currently set to 133 points.

The contest is scheduled for a 12:00 PM EST tip-off from Hilton Coliseum in Ames, IA, and will be broadcast on ESPN.

Check out MyBookie’s college basketball betting odds for the pick of day.

MyBookie’s College Basketball Pick of Day: Kansas at Iowa State

Kansas Jayhawks Overview

While it was about as predictable as snow during a Maine winter, Kansas has seemingly turned it around following their three-game skid to defeat both Kentucky and Kansas State. While certain names carry certain expectations, Kevin McCullar deserves a lot of credit over the last two games for really stepping up. The former Texas Tech Red Raiders and defensive specialist is averaging 13.5 points and 12.5 rebounds per game over the Jayhawks last two contests while playing his typical stellar defense.

The Jayhawks are the second-worst team in the Big XII against the spread on the season at just 9-13. They are underperforming the number by a half point overall with a margin of victory of +8.6 points per contest. That number changes when Coach Self takes his team on the road however, as the Jayhawks are 4-2 ATS in true road games and outperforming the number by +7.5 points per contest.

Also of note, Kansas star Jalen Wilson has been performing at one of the highest levels in the nation. Over his last six games, Wilson has put up an incredible 26.6 points, 7.4 rebounds and 2.2 assists per contest. He is also shooting 42.1% from beyond the three-point line and 85% from the stripe while visiting the line over five times per game.

Iowa State Cyclones Overview

It is apparently T.J. Otzelberger’s turn in the barrel for what is the most difficult gauntlet in college basketball; Big XII league play. The Iowa State Cyclones have lost three of their last four contests and are currently 15-6 overall and 6-3 in league play. Iowa State is still one of the best 25 teams in the nation and will likely break the skid soon. The question is whether or not it will come against a Kansas team that has seemingly put it back together.

Iowa State is one of the best teams in the league overall against the spread this season at 12-9 overall while outperforming the number by 3.6 points per contest. As a home team, Otzelberger’s club ranks fourth in the conference at 7-4 ATS and outperforming the number by a foolish +8.0 points per ball game. Their margin of victory in Ames is also impressive at +22 points.

The Pick

Kansas is the smart play here, as Jalen Wilson has seemingly stopped playing hero ball but is still playing efficiently. The supporting cast is seemingly stepping up as Coach Self tries to repeat. Jayhawks take the game straight up.

Kansas Jayhawks at Iowa State Cyclones | Bet College Basketball Today