The Big 12 Conference Championship is here! The mighty Houston Cougars (30-3), boasting the nation’s best defense, lock horns with the ever-resilient Iowa State Cyclones (26-7) in a battle for conference supremacy. Tip-off is at 6:00 PM EST.
Houston: A Defensive Dynasty
The Cougars are the favored by -5 with a total of 121 at betonline and mybookie and predicted to win 63-54 by our model. Their defensive prowess is unmatched, surrendering the fewest points per game in Division I. They’ve stifled their last four opponents, holding them all under 60 points. They did lose at Iowa State, one of just 3 losses this year, but won the rematch at home 73-65. Led by guard Jamal Shead, Houston seeks to add a Big 12 Title and solidify their status as national title contenders.
Iowa State: Underdog with Bite
Don’t underestimate the Cyclones! Despite being underdogs, Iowa State has grit and a winning history. This is their fifth Big 12 Championship appearance in the last decade. In their dominant semifinal win over Baylor, Keshon Gilbert erupted for a game-high 20 points, showcasing their offensive firepower. With a balanced scoring attack and a recent victory over Baylor (who pushed Houston to the limit earlier this season), Iowa State has the tools to pull off an upset.
Can Offense Crack the Code?
The biggest question mark lies in Iowa State’s ability to crack Houston’s defensive shell. The Cyclones will need to be efficient and disciplined on offense to stay competitive. Houston’s stifling defense might force them to rely on their three-point shooting, which could be a gamble.
A Championship Showdown
We’ll side with our model in this one. The Cougars are on a mission and we look for them to win the Big 12 Title with an exclamation point and statement win.