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Iowa State (16-0) vs Kansas (11-5)
- When: Jan 13 2026, 9:00 PM
- Where: Allen Fieldhouse, Lawrence, KS, USA
- Where to watch: ESPN
(2) Iowa State vs Kansas Preview & Prediction
Spread: Iowa State -4.0
Moneyline: Iowa State (-185)
Total: 151.5
Iowa State Cyclones Breakdown
Iowa State has turned second halves into a personal highlight reel. The Cyclones have mastered the art of walking into halftime, flipping a switch, and turning games their way with defensive pressure and efficient offense. The only remaining flaw is slow starts, but when you are undefeated, it is hard to complain too loudly.
The Cyclones showed that pattern again against Oklahoma State, trailing early before taking full control after the break. This team is deep, physical, and extremely composed when games tighten. They are also learning how to handle being hunted every night as one of the last unbeaten teams in the country.
Joshua Jefferson has become the steady engine for Iowa State. He scores from all three levels, attacks mismatches, and sets the tone physically. Milan Momcilovic remains a reliable secondary scorer who can stretch defenses when shots start falling. Iowa State’s balance makes them difficult to guard for forty minutes, especially against teams that struggle defensively inside.
On the road, the Cyclones lean heavily on defense and rebounding to wear teams down. If they clean up their first ten minutes, they are capable of controlling the game start to finish.
Cyclones Player Prop Pick: Joshua Jefferson over 18.5 points – Jefferson’s usage stays high in competitive games, and his physical edge gives him consistent scoring chances inside and at the line.
Kansas Jayhawks Breakdown
Kansas enters this matchup searching for answers after another frustrating conference loss. The Jayhawks have talent, but consistency has been elusive, especially on the defensive end. When they lose physical battles, their offense tends to stall, and long scoring droughts follow.
Darryn Peterson is the clear star and the reason Kansas remains dangerous. The freshman has carried a massive scoring load and continues to produce despite defensive attention and lingering leg issues. When Peterson is aggressive, Kansas looks confident. When he is forced into tough shots, the offense bogs down quickly.
Tre White provides toughness and rebounding, but Kansas must improve its resistance in the paint. Too often, opponents dictate terms physically, and Kansas ends up reacting instead of attacking. Playing at home helps, but this is another major test against a disciplined and relentless Iowa State team.
Jayhawks Player Prop Pick: Darryn Peterson over 23.5 points – Kansas leans on Peterson to generate offense, and his shot volume remains high regardless of matchup or game script.
Betting Outlook and Prediction
Kansas will bring energy early, especially at home, but Iowa State’s ability to adjust midgame remains the difference. The Cyclones are more reliable defensively and execute better in late-game situations. Expect Kansas to compete and trade runs, but Iowa State’s depth and poise should carry them late.
The total sits high, but both teams can score in bunches when pace picks up. Free throws and second-chance points should keep the number in range.
Iowa State stays unbeaten, while Kansas keeps it close but struggles to finish strong down the stretch.
Final Score: Iowa State 78, Kansas 72
Lean: Iowa State -4.0
Total: Under 151.5
- NCAAB Odds source: MyBookie Sportsbook
