The Arizona Wildcats and the Iowa State Cyclones continue Big 12 Conference men’s basketball action on Saturday, March 1st, 2025, in Ames, Iowa.
Tip-off is set for 8 p.m. central on ESPN. Arizona (19-9, 13-4 in Big 12) checks in at No. 22, while Iowa State (21-7, 11-6) is listed at No. 9.
While the Houston Cougars have the Big 12 regular season title wrapped up, Saturday’s matchup between Arizona and Iowa State is still must-see TV. The pair are two of the top teams in the Big 12 Conference this year and are both listed as National Championship contenders. In front of what’s expected to be an incredible crowd at Hilton Coliseum, fans should see plenty of fireworks.
Here is a preview of the game.
How to Watch Arizona vs. Iowa State
Date: Saturday, Mar. 1, 2025
Time: 8 p.m. CT
TV Channel: ESPN
Site: Hilton Coliseum, Ames, Iowa
Arizona vs. Iowa State Betting Odds, Lines
Opening Line: Iowa State -4.5
Current Line: Iowa State -5.5
Over/Under: 151.5 (Opened at 153.5)
Arizona vs. Iowa State Predictions
While players like Jaden Bradley, KJ Lewis, and Henri Veesaar have been stepping up their play lately for the Wildcats, the matchup comes down to Caleb Love. Love went viral in the first matchup against Iowa State for hitting a half-court shot to tie the contest up before going nuclear in overtime to secure the win. In Ames, the story will need to be different earlier in the contest.
Prior to the last minute of regulation and the final five minutes in overtime, Love was just 4-18 and 1-13 from three. Simply put, that slow start will not be enough to tackle the Cyclones at home. He’ll be tasked with competing against an incredible Iowa State backcourt, which has given fits to opposing teams all season long.
One of the biggest storylines for Cyclones fans revolves around Keshon Gilbert’s health. He and senior guard Curtis Jones had been dealing with issues in the previous weeks, which kept the pair sidelined for key games. Jones returned to action in Iowa State’s 74-68 loss to Oklahoma State, while Gilbert missed his second-straight game. His status for tonight’s game appears to be a game-time call.
When looking at statistics, Arizona has an advantage on offense but a glaring disadvantage on defense. The Wildcats have the Big 12’s best scoring offense, posting 81.6 points per game, however, they also have just the 10th-best defensive unit in the league. For Iowa State, things are more consistent with the fourth-best offense and fifth-best defense.
Iowa State 73, Arizona 70
ESPN Matchup Predictor: Iowa State 61.1% Chance of Winning)
Odds Shark: Iowa State 79, Arizona 71
