Iowa State (17-4) at Kansas (15-6)
- When: Feb 3 2025, 9:00 PM
- Where: Allen Fieldhouse, Lawrence, KS, USA
- Where to watch: ESPN
Game Preview
Two powerhouse Big 12 teams look to break free from recent struggles as No. 3 Iowa State heads to No. 11 Kansas for a Monday night showdown in Lawrence, Kan. Both teams are coming off tough losses and will be desperate to get back in the win column.
Iowa State Outlook: Seeking Redemption After a Rough Stretch
Iowa State (17-4, 7-3 Big 12) started the season red-hot but has cooled down in recent weeks. The Cyclones have lost three of their last five games, including an 80-61 home defeat to Kansas State—their first loss in Ames in nearly two years.
Head coach T.J. Otzelberger didn’t mince words about his team’s performance.
“It certainly wasn’t an effort that we’re proud of at all,” Otzelberger said. “It starts with self-accountability. You have to look yourself in the mirror and ask, ‘How did I help on the glass? How did I help make people miss?’”
Despite their struggles, Iowa State remains a dangerous offensive team with multiple scoring threats.
Curtis Jones leads the way with 17.9 PPG while shooting 37.8% from three.
Keshon Gilbert contributes 15.2 PPG and a team-high 4.5 APG.
Joshua Jefferson provides inside presence, averaging 12.9 PPG and 8.0 RPG.
Tamin Lipsey rounds out the scoring with 10.8 PPG.
Iowa State has won two straight against Kansas, but with this game on the road, they’ll need a much better defensive effort to keep their streak alive.
Kansas Outlook: Bouncing Back After a Historic Collapse
Kansas (15-6, 6-4 Big 12) is coming off a heartbreaking 81-70 loss to Baylor, where they blew a 21-point lead—the largest collapse in program history.
Despite the embarrassing defeat, head coach Bill Self took a measured approach.
“I really didn’t say much,” Self admitted. “In situations like that, there’s not a lot to be said. The only thing that matters is how we respond on Monday.”
The Jayhawks will look to reestablish dominance at home, where they have been traditionally dominant at Allen Fieldhouse.
Key Players for Kansas:
Hunter Dickinson is the team’s anchor, averaging 16.4 PPG and 9.7 RPG on 52.6% shooting.
Zeke Mayo is their second-leading scorer with 15.0 PPG.
Dajuan Harris Jr. (9.8 PPG) and KJ Adams Jr. (8.3 PPG) round out the main contributors.
Kansas has owned this rivalry historically, leading the all-time series 190-69, but Iowa State has won the past two meetings. Expect the Jayhawks to come out with urgency to put a stop to that streak.
Betting Trends & Prediction
Kansas is 10-1 at home this season and will have the crowd on their side.
Iowa State is just 3-3 on the road and is coming off an ugly loss.
The Over has hit in 5 of the last 7 meetings between these teams.
Prediction: Kansas gets back on track with a hard-fought win at home. Look for the Jayhawks to cover (-3.0) and the Over (146.5) to cash, given both teams’ offensive capabilities.
Final Score Projection: Kansas 78, Iowa State 71
- NCAAB Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
