Iowa State vs Kansas Picks and Prediction – 2/4/2025

Iowa State Cyclones (17-4, 8-3 Big 12) take on the Kansas Jayhawks (15-6, 6-4 Big 12) in a high-stakes Big 12 battle. The Cyclones are coming off a tough 86-75 overtime loss to Arizona, while Kansas rebounded with a 91-87 win over UCF. The last meeting saw Iowa State dominate with a 74-57 win. Slam dunk your bets with our College Basketball picks.

Iowa State has been an offensive force, averaging 83.0 points per game while shooting 48.6% from the field. Curtis Jones leads the team with 17.9 points per game, and Joshua Jefferson provides a strong presence on the boards with 8.0 rebounds per game. Keshon Gilbert's 4.5 assists per game have helped the attack. Three-point shooting has been solid, and the Cyclones have taken advantage of excellent ball movement, averaging 15.3 assists per contest.

Defensively, the Cyclones allow 67.6 points per game and thrive on forcing turnovers, averaging 9.8 steals per game. Tamin Lipsey has been a catalyst with 2.2 steals per contest. Iowa State also controls the paint, limiting opponents’ high-percentage shots. However, the last two losses have come when they struggled with defensive rebounding, an area Kansas will look to exploit.

Kansas averages 77.2 points per game while shooting an impressive 47.7% from the floor. Hunter Dickinson is the Jayhawks' key player, posting 16.4 points and 9.7 rebounds per game, while Dajuan Harris Jr. leads with 5.9 assists. Kansas moves the ball effectively, averaging 17.9 assists per game, and the inside-out play has made them a tough matchup.

Defensively, Kansas allows 66.7 points per game and has been effective in blocking shots, averaging 4.9 per contest. Flory Bidunga leads in that category, swatting 1.6 shots per game. The Jayhawks have shown strong rebounding efforts, pulling down 39.0 boards per game, and the ability to contest shots inside has been a difference-maker. However, perimeter defense has been shaky, which Iowa State may look to exploit.

Kansas has been dominant at home and will be eager to avenge a prior loss to Iowa State. Dickinson’s presence inside will be key, as Iowa State has struggled against elite rebounding teams. Kansas’ efficient offense and home-court advantage give them the edge. Final Score Prediction: Kansas Jayhawks win 78-72.