The Kansas Jayhawks and the Iowa State Cyclones continue Big 12 Conference men’s basketball action on Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025, in Ames, Iowa.
Tip-off is set for 6 p.m. central. Kansas (12-3, 3-1 in Big 12) is ranked No. 9 in the latest AP Top 25. Iowa State (14-1, 4-0) is ranked No. 2, the program’s highest national ranking ever.
Kansas has turned things around since it lost to West Virginia in the Big 12 opener. The Jayhawks have also made a small adjustment to their starting lineup with Shakeel Moore, who is back from injury, and it’s made a different.
Iowa State just escaped from an overtime win over Texas Tech. But the Cyclones have put together one of the most complete teams in the country. And, earlier this week, two of ISU’s players — Keshon Gilbert and Curtis Jones — ended up on the cover of the latest SLAM digital cover.
Here is a preview of Wednesday’s game.
How to Watch Kansas vs. Iowa State
Date: Wednesday, January 15, 2025
Time: 6 p.m. CT
TV Channel: ESPN2
Site: Hilton Coliseum, Ames, Iowa
Kansas vs. Iowa State Betting Odds, Lines
Opening Line: Iowa State -6
Current Line: Iowa State -6.5
Over/Under: 144
Kansas vs. Iowa State Predictions
Kansas has found its defense. I made the point in my power rankings on Monday that the Jayhawks have allowed an average of 47.6 points per game in the last three contests. On Saturday against Cincinnati, the Jayhawks allowed 40 points, the fewest points they have allowed in a road game since 1963.
The 88 points Kansas allowed in its last two road games was the fewest allowed in that span under coach Bill Self and the fewest allowed in a two-game road span by any Division I team this season.
Is Moore making that much of a difference? The numbers don’t necessarily back it up. But, when you watch Kansas, its defense looks more connected when he’s on the floor.
Iowa State will put that defense to the test. If I had written that a season ago, you’d think I was nuts. But these aren’t your usual Cyclones.
ISU has the No. 6 offensive rating in Division I per Ken Pom (123.5 points per 100 possessions). It’s not something we’re used to. The Cyclones can still grind it out. But without the offensive prowess they’ve progressed to this season, they could not have beaten Texas Tech in an overtime game on Saturday, 85-83.
Curtis Jones is Iowa State’s leading scorer and he’s coming off the bench, averaging 17.3 points. Five players average double figures. Eight players are in the rotation each night. And it all fits what coach T.J. Otzelberger wants to do. If ISU can sustain this, they can get to the Final Four.
Kansas and Iowa State always seem to play great games against one another. This one should be no exception. But Iowa State’s improved offensive prowess this season, even against an improved Kansas defense, should be the difference.
Iowa State 77, Kansas 75
ESPN Matchup Predictor: Iowa State (63.8% Chance of Winning)
You can find Matthew Postins on Twitter @PostinsPostcard.
