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Colorado (12-8) vs Iowa State (18-2)
- When: Jan 29 2026, 7:00 PM
- Where: James H. Hilton Coliseum, Ames, IA, USA
- Where to watch: Fox Sports 1
Colorado vs (8) Iowa State Preview & Prediction
Spread: Iowa State -17.0
Moneyline: Iowa State (-2500)
Total: 153.5
Iowa State Cyclones Betting Breakdown
Iowa State looks like it has steadied itself after a brief stumble that knocked it out of the national top two. Losses at Kansas and Cincinnati exposed slow starts, but those issues have been corrected quickly. The Cyclones responded with decisive wins over UCF and Oklahoma State, reestablishing control and confidence as they return home.
At 18-2 overall and 5-2 in Big 12 play, Iowa State is positioned perfectly to build momentum. With several upcoming games against teams sitting below .500 in conference action, the Cyclones have a clear opportunity to stack wins and reinforce what has already been the best start in program history at 16-0 earlier this season.
Offensively, balance continues to be the calling card. Milan Momcilovic leads the team at 18.8 points per game, Joshua Jefferson adds 17.4 points while pulling down 7.8 rebounds per contest, and Tamin Lipsey contributes 13.2 points with steady backcourt control. Defenses cannot key on one option, which has fueled Iowa State’s ability to pull away late.
Depth is another advantage. When Jefferson ran into foul trouble against Oklahoma State, freshman Dominykas Pleta stepped in and delivered eight points in the Jan. 20 win over UCF. Iowa State regularly plays eight deep, and that rotation wears opponents down, especially inside Hilton Coliseum.
Colorado Buffaloes Betting Breakdown
Colorado enters Ames searching for answers after dropping five straight conference games. The Buffaloes opened Big 12 play with wins over Arizona State and Utah, but the wheels have come loose since then, largely due to defensive breakdowns. Allowing 95 points in a recent home loss to UCF highlighted issues that have lingered throughout this skid.
Offense has not been the problem. Colorado averages 82.6 points per game and features multiple scoring options. Freshman guard Isaiah Johnson leads the way at 16.2 points per game. Barrington Hargress follows with 14.2, Sebastian Rancik contributes 13.3, and Bangot Dak adds 11.1 points while grabbing 7.4 rebounds per game.
The challenge comes on the defensive end, particularly on the road. When stops are hard to find, Colorado struggles to keep games within reach, and road environments in the Big 12 have not been forgiving.
Expert Final Score Prediction
This matchup heavily favors Iowa State. The Cyclones have the depth, defense, and home court edge to control tempo and gradually separate. Colorado’s scoring should prevent a complete blowout, but sustained defensive issues make it difficult to trust them for forty minutes.
Final Score: Iowa State 83, Colorado 63
Lean: Iowa State -17.0
Total: Under 153.5
- NCAAB Odds source: MyBookie Sportsbook
