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West Virginia vs. Iowa State Prediction and Odds (Cyclones out for Revenge After Embarrassing Loss to Mountaineers)

By Matt De Saro

The Iowa State Cyclones are out for revenge after getting embarrassed by West Virginia two weeks back.
The Iowa State Cyclones are out for revenge after getting embarrassed by West Virginia two weeks back. / Nirmalendu Majumdar/Ames Tribune / USA
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Tonight features a showdown between two Big 12 teams that were hoping to make waves in the conference tournament before falling apart down the stretch. The West Virginia Mountaineers have lost 11 of their last 12 games falling from 13-2 to 14-13. The nicest thing I have to say about the Mountaineers is that they almost won a game in their last attempt against TCU. They still lost by 10, but it was an upgrade from their previous game where they lost by 13. These two teams have played already this year with West Virginia dominating Iowa State 79-63. Things have gone downhill since though. 

Things are not as dire for Iowa State, but they really blew their chances to go on a run after starting the season 12-0. Since then, however, they have gone just 6-9 overall. It’s worth noting that Iowa State has played the 25th toughest schedule this year according to Kenpom.  The Cyclones have played five ranked teams in their last seven games. They even managed to upset No. 21 Texas and No. 25 Texas Tech. 

Here are the odds for this Big 12 brawl, courtesy of WynnBET Sportsbook.

West Virginia vs. Iowa State Odds, Spread, and Total

Spread:

  • West Virginia +5.5 (-110)
  • Iowa State -5.5 (-110)

Moneyline:

  • West Virginia +180
  • Iowa State -220

Total: 132.5 (Over -110/Under -110)

West Virginia vs. Iowa State Prediction and Pick

Iowa State enters this game with a lot going for them. They have more than one win in their last month of play. They are also entering this game on three full days of rest while the Mountaineers were beaten by TCU on Monday night and will have a quick turnaround on the road here. The Cyclones also actually have a reason to win this game other than pride, as they are still in the running to earn an at-large bid for the NCAA Tournament. 

I realize that WVU beat up on Iowa State a few short weeks ago, yet the weeks of losses surrounding that win tell me it was a fluke -- and I don’t bet on outliers. The Mountaineers are not only losing games straight up but they have been equally as dreadful against the spread with a 10-3 ATS record in their last 13 games. I'll take the home team as ATS favorites here to cover their third game in a row. 

Pick: Iowa State -5.5 (-110)

Follow all of Matt De Saro’s betting picks HERE

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