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The TCU Horned Frogs are set to face the Iowa State Cyclones this weekend. Check out our college basketball odds series, which includes our TCU Iowa State prediction, odds, and pick.
TCU has lost only three games this season, but the most recent loss was a hard one to take. The Horned Frogs have had a very solid campaign to this point under coach Jamie Dixon, but they hope they won't look back on their trip to Stillwater, Oklahoma, as the moment their season took a turn for the worse. TCU led by six points with just under 1:30 left but then allowed a 7-0 run to Oklahoma State. The Horned Frogs lost to the Cowboys, 57-56. Shaky late-game possessions and a general lack of composure undid 38.5 strong minutes by TCU, which was coming off big wins over Kansas State and Oklahoma and had worked itself into position to compete for an NCAA Tournament bid. College basketball odds analysts would say that TCU has generally overachieved through 15 games, but the people who shaped the TCU Kansas State odds would also tell you that the Frogs let one get away against Oklahoma State.
Iowa State enters this game knowing it is a good team, and knowing that it must continue to win home games in Hilton Coliseum. The road is an unforgiving place in the Big 12, as TCU found out in Stillwater the other night. Iowa State is realizing this truth as well, coming off a loss at Texas Tech. The Cyclones have lost to Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas Tech in Big 12 road games. They have been able to protect their home floor against Texas and Texas Tech, but they know they need to continue to win home games so that they don't sink too far in the Big 12 standings.
College basketball odds experts would tell you that the Big 12 is the toughest top-to-bottom conference in college basketball. Teams which lose home games in the conference are going to fall behind the rest of the pack. Keep that point in mind when considering a TCU Iowa State pick.
Courtesy of FanDuel, here are the TCU-Iowa State odds:
College Basketball Odds: TCU-Iowa State Odds
TCU: +6 (-110)
Iowa State: -6 (-110)
Over: 128.5 (-102)
Under: 128.5 (-120)
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Why TCU Could Cover the Spread
The Horned Frogs play close games. They did so against Oklahoma State. They did so against Oklahoma, a game which went into overtime. They did so against Kansas State. One could make this point more broadly about most Big 12 teams, but TCU definitely represents this trend. Getting six points on the betting line, TCU could certainly cover, even though it will be a real challenge to win outright.
Why Iowa State Could Cover the Spread
The Cyclones have been tested severely in Big 12 play. They have already played Texas Tech — probably the best defensive team in the conference — twice. They just did face the Red Raiders earlier this week. Given the strength of Texas Tech on defense, moving to TCU should make Iowa State feel as though it is going up against a much more manageable opponent which won't offer nearly as much resistance. Think about that when evaluating your TCU Iowa State prediction.
Final TCU-Iowa State Prediction & Pick
The TCU Horned Frogs are a legitimately tough team, but one has to wonder if — after absorbing a tough loss at Oklahoma State — they will be able to give Iowa State their very best for 40 minutes. TCU is bound to have at least one significant in-game lull ISU can pounce on. Iowa State by nine.
Final TCU-Iowa State Pick: Iowa State -6.5
