The Oklahoma State Cowboys (13-2) take on the No. 3 Iowa State Cyclones (15-0) in Ames, Iowa. Tip-off is set for 4 p.m. ET on ESPN2.
Iowa State is favored by 18.5 points on the spread and -3000 on the moneyline. The total is set at 165.5 points.
Here’s my Oklahoma State vs. Iowa State prediction and college basketball picks for January 10, 2026.
Oklahoma State vs Iowa State Prediction, Pick
My Pick: Oklahoma State +19 (Play to +18)
My Oklahoma State vs Iowa State best bet is on the Cowboys to cover the spread. For all of your college basketball bets, be sure to find the best lines by using our live NCAAB odds page.
Oklahoma State vs. Iowa State Odds, Betting Lines, Totals
| Oklahoma State Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+18.5 -110 | 165.5 -110o / -110u | +1400 |
| Iowa State Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-18.5 -110 | 165.5 -110o / -110u | -3000 |
- Oklahoma State vs Iowa State spread: Iowa State -18.5
- Oklahoma State vs Iowa State over/under: 165.5 points
- Oklahoma State vs Iowa State moneyline: Oklahoma State +1400, Iowa State -3000
Oklahoma State vs Iowa State Game Preview
Oklahoma State Cowboys
Oklahoma State has started this season exceeding early expectations, with a record that contains just two losses.
The two losses don't necessarily impact their resume, though, considering they were to Oklahoma and Texas Tech, two squads ranked in the top 55 in KenPom.
Much like the Cyclones, the Cowboys have five players averaging double figures, meaning there’s no shortage of scorers on this roster.
Senior guard Anthony Roy leads all scorers with an average of 17.5 points per game. Roy uses the fast pace of this Cowboys system to generate more opportunities.
This team averages a tick above 90 points per game.
The Cowboys will be somewhat of a stylistic clash for the Cyclones. While the Cyclones sit around 130th in terms of adjusted tempo, the Cowboys rank fifth. The Cowboys are also averaging just 15.6 seconds per shot clock before a shot attempt.
The way that Oklahoma State will be able to stay in this game will 100% be dictated by its ability to control the pace and the flow.
Iowa State Cyclones
Six — that’s the number of teams ranked in the top 10 in both offensive and defensive efficiency. The Clones are one of them, as they rank ninth in offensive efficiency and second in defensive efficiency.
Iowa State is in rare company, and that's led it to an undefeated record. The Cyclones beat St. John’s on a neutral court by a point, Iowa by just four points on their home court, Purdue by 13 on the road and Baylor by 10 in their last home game.
They've beaten every other opponent by at least 16 points.
They make 41.3% of their shots outside the arc and create the second-most turnovers in the nation. That has led them to extra possessions, with an affinity for the long ball.
The Cyclones also have no shortage of scoring options, with four players averaging double digits. Two of those players average at least 17 points per game.
Joshua Jefferson also adds 7.9 rebounds to go along with his 17.6 points a night.
How To Make Oklahoma State vs. Iowa State Picks
This spread, at face value, seems a little bit inflated. I understand how good Iowa State has been this season, but Oklahoma State has been just as impressive from an expectations standpoint.
The Cowboys did lose to Texas Tech by 22 points on the road, but they may have been a bit shell shocked in that game. Now they have that experience, and we expect a much better effort here.
If they can play the pace they want and keep possessions coming their way, I expect them to be able to hang around in this game.
The door may open late, where the lead by Iowa State gets extended. But it won't get past that 19.5 points that we currently have.
Give me the points, with little room to play with. I won’t be betting this if the spread falls below 18.
My Pick: Oklahoma State +19 (Play to +18)
