NCAA Prediction: Kansas Jayhawks vs Iowa State Cyclones

Saturday, January 28, 2012

by Joe Rodriguez

Tyshawn Taylor - NCAA Prediction: Kansas Jayhawks vs Iowa State Cyclones

In many ways, Iowa State Cyclones outplayed No. 5 Kansas Jayhawks in the first meeting on Jan. 14, a 82-73 Jayhawks victory at Allen Fieldhouse.

The Cyclones outrebounded Kansas 49-41, the most rebounds allowed by the Jayhawks since 2004 and they also had a 12-point lead early in the second half.

But Kansas, as it usually does, found a way to pull off the comeback and has since improved to 7-0 in Big 12 play. Iowa State, meanwhile, has won two of three to pull into a tie for fourth in the conference standings.

The Cyclones, who will host Kansas on Saturday, have lost seven straight in the series at home.

- Kansas Jayhawks @ Iowa State Cyclones
When: 2:00 PM ET, Saturday, January 28, 2012
Where: James H. Hilton Coliseum, Ames, Iowa
TV: 2 p.m. ET, ESPN, ESPN3
Check Live NCAA Basketball Odds on Justbet Sportsbook .

Justbet Sportsbook currently have the Jayhawks listed as 5½-point favorites versus the Cyclones.

Kansas Jayhawks (17-3): Kansas' perfect start shouldn't come as a surprise. The Jayhawks are 7-0 in Big 12 play for the third time under head coach Bill Self, who took over prior to the 2003-04 season. In 16 years of Big 12 play, Kansas has started 7-0 five times. In the first meeting between these two teams, Tyshawn Taylor scored 28 points and Thomas Robinson added 11 points and 14 rebounds. The Jayhawks, though, couldn't take control of the game until late in the second half despite several Iowa State miscues. The Cyclones shot just 35 percent and committed 16 turnovers.

Iowa State Cyclones (14-6): Iowa State has come up empty in three previous games against teams ranked in the top 25. The Cyclones lost by 10 at Michigan and by seven to Missouri, in addition to the previous loss against the Jayhawks. Last year, Iowa State lost 84-79 at home to Kansas after losing by 11 or more in three previous meetings. However, Iowa State has been strong at home this year, posting a 10-2 record, including a 2-1 mark in conference play. In Tuesday's 62-55 loss to Texas, the Cyclones shot 33 percent.

1. Royce White is making a strong case for Big 12 newcomer of the year. White, a transfer from Minnesota, is averaging 13.4 points and 9.6 rebounds.

2. Kansas has won six straight true road games dating back to last season.

3. The 55 points in the loss at Texas was a season low for Iowa State.

BASKETBALL PREDICTION: Jayhawks 72, Cyclones 69.

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bill self - iowa state cyclones - james h. hilton coliseum - kansas jayhawks - royce white - thomas robinson - tyshawn taylor