Arizona vs. Iowa State: Expert ATS Pick & Betting Preview

Arizona Wildcats (19-9 SU, 16-12 ATS) vs. Iowa State Cyclones (21-7 SU, 16-12 ATS)

When: Saturday, March 1st, 9:00 PM (ET)

Where: Hilton Coliseum, IA, Ames

TV: ESPN

Point Spread: ARZ +5.5/IOWAST -5.5

Total: 153.5

Money Line: Arizona Wildcats +187/-237

Notable Injuries

Wildcats

• Motiejus Krivas (Out) Lower Leg

Cyclones

• Keshon Gilbert (Questionable) Undisclosed
• Conrad Hawley (Out) Shoulder

Recent Form

Arizona Wildcats Recent Game/Games

Arizona improved to 19-9 on the season with an 83-66 home win over Utah on Wednesday. The Wildcats, who were -14.5 favorites, covered the spread with the victory.

Arizona led 46-32 at halftime and outscored Utah 37-34 in the second half. The game’s total points of 149 fell short of the 155.5 O/U line.

Iowa State Cyclones Recent Game/Games

The Cyclones fell to 21-7 on the season after a 74-68 road loss to Oklahoma State on Tuesday. Iowa State, who entered the game as -11.5 favorites, failed to cover the spread.

After trailing 40-26 at halftime, the Cyclones outscored the Cowboys 42-34 in the 2nd half. The game’s total points of 142 fell short of the 148.5 O/U line.

Analysis

Arizona put up 83 points in their last game, shooting 41.3% from the field and 33.3% from beyond the arc, hitting 9 of 27 threes. Their effective field goal percentage was 47.6%, and they converted 75.9% of their free throws, going 22 for 29 from the line.

Caleb Love led the way with 23 points and seven assists, hitting 6 of 12 from three. Keanu Dawes and Ezra Ausar both added 18 points, with Dawes shooting 75% from the field and grabbing 10 rebounds. Tobe Awaka also pulled down 10 boards, finishing with 12 points.

Arizona’s defense held their opponent to 66 points on 41% shooting from the field. They allowed 47% shooting on two-point attempts, with the opposing team making 17 of 36 shots.

From beyond the arc, Arizona’s defense gave up nine threes on 27 attempts, a 33% success rate. The opponent also shot 75% from the free-throw line, hitting 22 of 29. Arizona allowed 16 offensive rebounds.

In their last game, Iowa State put up 68 points, shooting 41.4% from the field and 29.6% from three-point range (8/27). Their effective field goal percentage was 48.3%, and they hit 51.6% of their two-point attempts (16/31). At the free-throw line, the Cyclones connected on 60% of their shots, going 12/20.

Abou Ousmane led the way with 25 points, shooting 63.6% overall and 60% from deep (3/5). Joshua Jefferson added 17 points, hitting 70% from the field and contributing eight rebounds and five assists. Iowa State finished with 11 offensive rebounds and 15 assists as a team.

Despite giving up 74 points, Iowa State held their opponent to 42% shooting from the field, with 25 made baskets on 59 attempts. Inside the arc, the Cyclones allowed 19 two-point field goals on 36 attempts, a 52% shooting rate.

From three-point range, Iowa State’s defense limited their opponent to 6 made threes on 23 attempts, a 26% success rate. The Cyclones also sent their opponent to the free-throw line 22 times, where they converted 18 shots for 81%. Iowa State gave up 10 offensive rebounds in the game.

Betting Trends

• Across the Wildcats’ last ten road games, the team averaged 75 points per game while allowing 73. Their record vs. the spread in these contests was 6-4 while going 6-4 straight-up.
• In their last ten games at home, the Cyclones have a straight-up record of 5-5 while going 6-4 vs. the spread. The team’s offense averaged 71 points per game in these contests.
• Arizona has done well both straight up and vs the spread as the underdog, going 3-2 SU and 3-2 ATS in their last five games.
• Although the Cyclones have a strong straight up record in their last three games as the betting favorite, they have not done as well vs the spread going 0-3.

Joe’s Pick To Cover The Spread

Iowa State is favored by -5.5 in this Big 12 matchup, even with Arizona coming in with a two-game lead over the Cyclones in the conference standings. The Cyclones have also lost two straight games. But they have just one loss this season at home, while Arizona is 6-3 on the road. This one figures to be an exciting game to watch, as both teams can put up points quickly. Even though Iowa State has been spending money at home, this spread is too high, in my opinion. I like Arizona at +5.5.