CBB HOME TEAM PINNACLE WINNER
Handicapper: Wayne RootLeague: NCAAB
Competition: Texas Tech vs Iowa State
Time: Wednesday, January 5, 09:00 pm ET
Bet Type: Point Spread
Pick: Iowa State -4.5 (-109) (BetRivers)
Rotation #: 728
Analysis:
Pinnacle——Iowa St After winning just two games last season, it was not a surprise to see an undefeated Iowa State team as a double-digit underdog to defending national champion Baylor at home. The Cyclones, despite a poor shooting night, never gave in and battled to a 5 point loss. It might be fair to think of Iowa State as more than just a nice story that would slip to the back pages by season's end. They are relentless defensively, have watched Brockington turn into a star player in a Cyclones' uniform, and despite their relatively small size, get after it on the boards. Texas Tech has played a good non-conference schedule, is an excellent rebounding team on both ends, and nearly as effective as Iowa State on the defensive end. The x-factor in this game is Texas Tech playing without Shannon. Shannon is to Texas Tech what Brockington is to Iowa State. His loss will put more pressure on Kevin McCullar because of the Red Raiders' limited scoring options. I also expect a bounce-back game from Kalscheur for Iowa State after being shut out against Baylor. Iowa State is already 0-1 in the conference and can't afford another home conference loss this early in the game. The Cyclones will be up for this game and so will their fans. I expect the Cyclones to hang in a close game and pull it out late. Iowa State 63 Texas Tech 53
