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The Iowa State Cyclones are set to face the Oklahoma Sooners this weekend. Check out our college basketball odds series, which includes our Iowa State Oklahoma prediction, odds, and pick.
Iowa State has been one of the hugely pleasant surprises and feel-good stories of the season, as college basketball odds analysts would tell you. Coach T.J. Otzelberger had two unremarkable seasons at UNLV before being hired to replace Steve Prohm. The lack of significant accomplishments in Las Vegas made his hire at Iowa State one of the more curious episodes in the coaching carousel. Yet, Otzelberger — a former Fred Hoiberg assistant at ISU — is clearly at home in Ames. The cultural fit is excellent. Otzelberger knows how to get the players who fit his system. The right job and the right location are necessary for many coaching careers to grow. Some coaches can work wonders at any school, such as Rick Pitino, but not everyone is Pitino. Some coaches need the right situation, and Otzelberger seems to have his perfect setup at Iowa State.
When considering an Iowa State Oklahoma pick, realize that ISU was unbeaten entering 2022, until defending national champion Baylor went into Hilton Coliseum and knocked off the Cyclones. Yet, it was still a 40-minute battle, with Iowa State not backing down at any point. Baylor had to work very hard to earn that victory. Even in defeat, Iowa State gained respect. The Cyclones then beat Texas Tech to avoid a letdown and show they have some staying power in the rugged Big 12.
Why are the Iowa State Oklahoma odds the way they are? The Sooners earned respect against Baylor as well, and moreover, they gave the Bears a 40-minute fight away from home, whereas Iowa State gave the defending champions a tough game in the comfort of Ames.
Oklahoma pushed Baylor on the road in Waco. The Bears were never in immediate danger of losing, but they also weren't able to cruise to the finish line. Oklahoma stayed within single digits of the Bears on a regular basis. Baylor couldn't exhale until the final horn. Oklahoma coach Porter Moser was one of the better hires of the past carousel cycle. He had his team ready to play against the class of the Big 12. The Sooners blew late leads against Butler and Utah State, but other than those two stumbles, they have looked very good this season. Playing at home, many people see OU as the team which should be expected to win, despite Iowa State's brilliant start to the season.
Here’s how the bookmakers have set the odds:
College Basketball odds: Iowa State-Oklahoma Odds
Iowa State: +6.5 (-110)
Oklahoma: -6.5 (-110)
Over: 129.5 (-110)
Under: 129.5 (-110)
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Why Iowa State Could Cover the Spread
The Cyclones play excellent defense. They held Texas Tech to 47. Oklahoma's loss to Butler was the result of a long second-half scoring drought. The Sooners can get derailed on offense. Oklahoma wants to avoid a rockfight, but Iowa State is equipped to win one.
Why Oklahoma Could Cover the Spread
The Sooners showed against Baylor that they are capable of competing with college basketball's elite. They didn't win, but they showed that their ceiling might be higher than many pundits previously thought. It's only Moser's first season, so this is a transition year, but Oklahoma might be ahead of schedule. If it plays the way it has been playing recently, it should win.
Final Iowa State-Oklahoma Prediction & Pick
Oklahoma is a solid team, but Iowa State plays great defense. Oklahoma should not be getting almost seven points, even at home. Iowa State could win outright, but it will certainly keep this game very close and cover.
Final Iowa State-Oklahoma Pick: +6.5
