The Iowa State Cyclones are set to take on the Utah Utes on January 7, 2025, at Hilton Coliseum, Ames, Iowa, marking their first meeting as conference rivals. The game, scheduled for 7 p.m. CT, pits the No. 3 ranked Cyclones against the Utes as both teams look to improve their standing within the Big 12 Conference.
The Cyclones, with a record of 12-1 and 2-0 in Big 12 play, come off an impressive win against No. 25 Baylor, where they claimed victory with an emphatic 74-55 score. Riding the nation’s third-longest winning streak, Iowa State has made headlines with their dominant performance at home, boasting 26 straight wins at Hilton Coliseum, the second-longest home winning streak in the school's history. Coach T.J. Otzelberger has led the team to remarkable success, sitting at 53-8 overall at home under his leadership.
Key players for Iowa State include Keshon Gilbert, who has emerged as the team’s MVP, leading the squad in minutes, points, and assists. Gilbert’s double-double performance against Baylor, where he scored 16 points and grabbed 10 rebounds, highlights his significant contribution. His consistency has earned him the Big 12 Player of the Week honor twice this season. Another standout is Tamin Lipsey, known for his defensive prowess and leading the team with steals, contributing significantly to Iowa State’s overall strong defensive strategy, which ranks fifth best in the league.
Utah, entering the matchup with an 8-5 record and struggling at 0-2 within the conference, faces challenges after consecutive losses to both Baylor and Texas Tech, averaging 26.5 points in their defeats. A key figure for the Utes, Gabe Madsen, will be pivotal as they attempt to regain their footing. Madsen is currently averaging 16.5 points per game, and his performance will be closely watched as Utah looks to right the ship.
The challenges for Utah extend beyond just their recent performance; they were predicted to finish last per the Big 12 Preseason Poll. Nevertheless, the Utes showcase their potential with notable stats; they lead the Big 12 with 20.5 assists per game. Under Coach Craig Smith’s guidance, Utah seeks to improve their standing amid tough competition.
Both teams are high-scoring, setting the stage for what could be an offensive showdown. Iowa State leads the Big 12 with 86.6 points per game, whereas Utah averages 82.7 points per game. This prolific scoring has led to significant point differentials, particularly for the Cyclones, who have often secured victories by margins of 19 points or more.
Following historical precedents, this game is particularly compelling, as it is the fourth all-time meeting between the Cyclones and Utes, and the first since 1996. Historically, Iowa State and Utah have faced each other twice before during NCAA tournaments, with Iowa State losing both matches. Coach T.J. Otzelberger aims to make history as he seeks to bring his team to the NCAA Tournament for the fourth consecutive year, making strides to become the first coach at Iowa State to achieve this feat.
Looking at the odds, Iowa State enters the game as 18-point favorites against Utah. This considerable betting line reflects the current state of both teams and the Cyclones' formidable home advantage. With the over/under set at 151.5 points, experts suggest potential for high scoring, consistent with both teams' offensive capabilities.
All eyes will be on the game as fans anticipate the Cyclones to continue their exceptional form at Hilton Coliseum. The atmosphere is expected to be electric, driven by the crowd eager to see if their team can extend its winning streak and assert dominance within the conference against the struggling Utes.
With significant stakes on the line for both teams, this matchup not only holds importance for the conference standings but also aligns with Iowa State’s historical ambitions and Utah’s quest for redemption. It will be exciting to see how this game plays out come Tuesday evening.