Game Details:
- Matchup: Mississippi State Bulldogs at Iowa State Cyclones
- Date: Friday, November 10
- Time: 8:00 PM EST
- Venue: Hilton Coliseum, Ames, IA
Betting Odds:
- Spread: Iowa State -5.5
- Total: 150.5
Preview
An intriguing early-season matchup is on tap as the Mississippi State Bulldogs of the SEC travel to Ames to take on the Big 12’s Iowa State Cyclones. This game presents a significant non-conference test for both programs and will be a battle of two teams built on defensive intensity and physical play.
Iowa State, playing within the notoriously tough confines of Hilton Coliseum, will look to leverage one of the best home-court advantages in the nation. Under coach T.J. Otzelberger, the Cyclones have forged an identity built on suffocating defense, forcing turnovers, and grinding out possessions. Expect a hostile environment and a Cyclone team that will try to dictate the pace with relentless defensive pressure from the opening tip.
Visiting from the SEC, Mississippi State is unlikely to be intimidated. Coach Chris Jans has instilled a similar hard-nosed, defensive-first culture in his program. The Bulldogs pride themselves on their physicality and ability to control the glass. For them to pull off the road upset, they will need to match Iowa State’s intensity, limit turnovers against the press, and find consistent offense in a difficult environment.
With both teams prioritizing stops over shootouts, this contest has all the makings of a classic, grind-it-out affair. Points may be hard to come by, and the game could very well be decided by which team makes fewer mistakes down the stretch.
Prediction
While both teams boast strong defensive identities, the deciding factor in this game will likely be the venue. “Hilton Magic” is a real phenomenon, and the frenetic energy of the crowd often fuels the Cyclones’ defensive efforts and rattles opponents. In an early-season game where offensive rhythm can still be a work in progress, that home-court advantage is amplified.
Mississippi State has the toughness to hang around, but executing on the road against a top-tier defensive team like Iowa State is a monumental task. Expect a close game for a while, but the Cyclones’ defense and the energy from the home crowd should allow them to create enough separation in the second half to secure the win and the cover. Given the defensive nature of both teams, the under on a total of 150.5 is also an attractive look.
The Pick: Iowa State -5.5
Score Prediction: Iowa State 75, Mississippi State 67
Sources:
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