Fairleigh Dickinson at Iowa State Picks and Predictions for Monday, November 3, 2025
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The college basketball season tips off in Ames as Iowa State opens its 2025–26 campaign at Hilton Coliseum against Fairleigh Dickinson. The Cyclones, ranked No. 16 nationally, return several key players from last year’s NCAA Tournament team and look to reestablish themselves as a Big 12 contender. Fairleigh Dickinson enters a major rebuild under third-year head coach Jack Castleberry after heavy offseason turnover. Build the value of your bankroll with college basketball picks.
Game Information for Fairleigh Dickinson vs Iowa State
Location: Hilton Coliseum, Ames, IA
Time: 8:00 p.m. ET
TV: ESPN+
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Fairleigh Dickinson Preview
The Knights open the season with one of the youngest and least experienced rosters in Division I. After losing all eight of their top scorers from last season, including star guard Terrence Brown, who transferred to Utah, Castleberry faces the challenge of rebuilding almost entirely from scratch. Senior guards Joey Niesman and Eric Parnell, along with 7-foot center Cyril Martynov, headline a roster filled with newcomers and underclassmen.
New additions such as Arthur Cox from West Virginia State and Noah Melson from Chattanooga are expected to handle much of the scoring load early. The Knights finished 13–20 last season and ranked seventh in the NEC, but with a roster full of transfers and players stepping into larger roles, the future remains uncertain. Against a nationally ranked opponent in a raucous road atmosphere, the focus for Fairleigh Dickinson will be on controlling the pace and limiting turnovers rather than competing shot-for-shot.
Iowa State Preview
TJ Otzelberger’s Cyclones return multiple players from last year’s 25–10 squad, including forward Joshua Jefferson, sharpshooter Milan Momcilovic, and guard Tamin Lipsey. The trio provides experience, scoring, and defensive toughness that anchor one of the Big 12’s most disciplined teams. Iowa State adds depth with Virginia transfer Blake Buchanan and Utah Valley guard Dominick Nelson, both expected to play plenty of minutes.
Otzelberger’s teams thrive on efficient half-court offense and defensive communication. The Cyclones ranked among the national leaders in field-goal percentage last season and continue to emphasize inside-out scoring built around tough rebounding. Facing an NEC opponent still forming its lineup, Iowa State holds the advantage in talent, experience, and pace. Expect the Cyclones to showcase depth and defensive strength in what should be a decisive season-opening performance.
Fairleigh Dickinson at Iowa State Prediction
Iowa State has the advantage in every phase: scoring, defense, and bench depth. Fairleigh Dickinson’s inexperience and lack of continuity make this a tough opening night. The Cyclones will control tempo from the start and cruise to a comfortable win behind a balanced scoring effort. Final Score Prediction: Iowa State Cyclones win and cover ATS, 91–54.
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