Iowa State vs. Oklahoma Odds, Picks | College Basketball Betting Guide (Wednesday, Jan. 4)

Iowa State vs. Oklahoma Odds, Picks | College Basketball Betting Guide (Wednesday, Jan. 4) article feature image
Credit:

David K Purdy/Getty Images. Pictured: Jaren Holmes

  • The Oklahoma Sooners host the Iowa State Cyclones in a Wednesday night Big 12 showdown.
  • The Cyclones still have an elite defense, and will need it to slow down Oklahoma star Grant Sherfield.
  • Continue reading for a full breakdown of this matchup, including a betting pick.

Iowa State vs. Oklahoma Odds

Wednesday, Jan. 4
7 p.m. ET
ESPN2
Iowa State Odds
SpreadTotalMoneyline
+3.5
-110
125.5
-106o / -114u
+128
Oklahoma Odds
SpreadTotalMoneyline
-3.5
-110
125.5
-106o / -114u
-154
Odds via FanDuel. Get up-to-the-minute college basketball odds here.

The Big 12 once again looks to be one of the deepest conferences in the country, and this matchup features two teams that may make waves as the Iowa State Cyclones head to Norman to take on the Oklahoma Sooners.

The Cyclones look primed to spin the conference on its head after their upset victory over the No. 13 Baylor Bears. They can defend with the best of them, but they've also taken a crucial step forward on the offensive end of the floor.

As for their opponents, the Sooners have become a fun team to watch. Their star nearly led them to a big victory over the Texas Longhorns, and it remains to be seen if he can light it up against another stout defensive club.

So, what's the best way to play this matchup of Big 12 darkhorses? Let's take a closer look to find out.


Iowa State Cyclones

Iowa State had a very similar profile last season. The Cyclones were elite defensively, but the offense was dependent on the play of their star. This year, they've already notched victories over the likes of Baylor, North Carolina and Villanova from a much more well-rounded approach on the offensive end of the court.

St. Bonaventure transfer Jaren Holmes has come over and taken over. He's the team's leading scorer but can do a bit of everything, as he's second on the team in assists and averages more than a steal per game.

A full supporting cast has taken this team to the next level. Caleb Grill has shown he can take over games with his perimeter shooting, and Gabe Kalscheur's game has leveled up this year in a more significant role.

However, it will be vital for them to work the ball inside and create high percentage looks. The Sooners have been excellent at contesting perimeter shots, but over 60 percent of their points surrendered have been allowed inside the arc.

Fortunately, that has been the Cyclones' game, as their backcourt has excelled in the mid-range and the paint.

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Oklahoma Sooners

When you look at this Sooners team, one guy stands out above the rest. Grant Sherfield has come over from Nevada and become a star.

He's proven to be a threat from anywhere on the court and can carry this Oklahoma club for extended stretches. His role and style of play in this offense in reminiscent of Buddy Hield when he wore the red and white.

While Sherfield is getting well-deserved praise, it will be interesting to see if he can put the Sooners on his back against another formidable opponent. He went 9-of-19 against Texas, but 1-of-7 from deep.

He had to work hard for his 22 points, and the Cyclones will make him work hard once again. They put constant pressure on the ball and are No. 1 in turnover percentage because of it.

However, Iowa State is also 39th in effective field goal percentage and has the length to bother shots from all areas of the court. This offense is highly dependent on Sherfield's production, and their outlook is bleak if he struggles in this matchup.

Iowa State vs. Oklahoma Betting Pick

Oklahoma's effort against Texas was impressive, but their opponents, who pulled off an upset in their last game, are not getting enough love here.

Iowa State is not the same team as last year. The Cyclones have multiple offensive weapons who can pick apart the Sooners from close range.

Then on the other end of the court, expect them to make someone other than Sherfield beat them. Given what we've seen from the rest of the Sooners, they can't beat the Cylcones without Sherfield.

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About the Author
Doug Ziefel is a contributor for the Action Network. He specializes in College Fooball, College Basketball, and rooting for bad New York teams.

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