Iowa State Cyclones vs Utah Utes Picks and Predictions for Tuesday February 24 2026
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Iowa State travels to Salt Lake City to face Utah at Jon M. Huntsman Center (Salt Lake City, UT) on Tuesday at 9:00 PM, with the game airing on FS1. Iowa State is listed as a 13.5-point favorite, and the total is set at 143.5, while at the time of this writing the odds were not released for the moneyline. For more daily betting insight, be sure to check out our free college basketball picks.
Iowa State Bringing Defensive Pressure to the Road
Iowa State enters this matchup at 23-4 overall with a 10-4 record in Big 12 play. A road record was not provided in the information available, but the Cyclones have consistently competed at a high level. Over their last five games, they as recently lost to BYU 79-69, won over Houston 70-67, won over Kansas 74-56, lost to TCU 62-55, and won over Baylor 72-69.
The Cyclones are averaging 83.1 points per game while allowing just 65.1, and they are shooting 50% from the field. They pull down 36.1 rebounds per contest and average 17.9 assists per game, highlighting strong offensive balance and efficiency.
The defining trait of Iowa State is defensive intensity. Allowing only 65.1 points per game in a high-powered conference is impressive, and they also average 8.7 steals per contest. That ability to create turnovers and turn them into transition opportunities often swings momentum and stretches margins quickly.
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Utah Searching for Consistency
Utah comes into this contest at 10-17 overall with a 2-12 mark in Big 12 play. A home record was not included in the provided information, but the Utes have struggled to find steady results. In their last five games, they as recently lost to UCF 73-71, won over West Virginia 61-56, lost to Cincinnati 69-65, lost to Houston 66-52, and lost to Kansas 71-59.
The Utes are averaging 75.6 points per game while allowing 78.4, and they are shooting 45% from the field. They collect 34.5 rebounds per game and average 13.8 assists per contest. Utah has shown flashes offensively but has not consistently matched opponents on the defensive end.
Allowing 78.4 points per game against a team averaging over 83 creates a difficult matchup. Even though Utah averages 3.4 blocks and 5.6 steals per game, sustaining defensive stops against an offense shooting 50% will be a major challenge.
Iowa State vs Utah Pick
Iowa State vs Utah spread pick
- Pick: Iowa State -13.5
Iowa State’s balance on both ends gives them a clear edge in this matchup. Averaging 83.1 points per game while allowing just 65.1 creates one of the stronger scoring differentials in the conference. Utah has struggled defensively, giving up 78.4 per contest, which opens the door for Iowa State to create separation. If the Cyclones play to their season averages, they should be able to cover the number.
Iowa State vs Utah total pick
- Pick: Under 143.5
I’m leaning under because Iowa State’s defensive profile suggests they will control tempo and limit Utah’s scoring opportunities. The Cyclones allow only 65.1 points per game, and Utah has failed to consistently push into the 80s. If Iowa State dictates pace and keeps Utah near its lower scoring outputs, this total has a solid path to staying under.
Final Score Prediction: Iowa State 78, Utah 63
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