The Iowa State Cyclones take on the Kansas State Wildcats in Manhattan, Kansas. Tip-off is set for 2 p.m. ET on FOX.
Iowa State is favored by 11 points on the spread with a moneyline of -575. The total is set at 155 points.
Here’s my Iowa State vs. Kansas State predictions and college basketball picks for February 1, 2026.
Iowa State vs Kansas State Prediction
My Pick: Milan Momcilovic Over Points Prop
My Iowa State vs Kansas State best bet is on Momcilovic to go over his points prop. For all of your college basketball bets, be sure to find the best lines by using our live NCAAB odds page.
Iowa State vs. Kansas State Odds
| Iowa State Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-11 -110 | 155 -110 / -110 | -575 |
| Kansas State Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+11 -110 | 155 -110 / -110 | +425 |
- Iowa State vs Kansas State spread: Iowa State -11
- Iowa State vs Kansas State over/under: 155 points
- Iowa State vs Kansas State moneyline: Iowa State -575, Kansas State +425
Iowa State vs Kansas State College Basketball Betting Preview
Iowa State Basketball
Iowa State has the Final Four on its mind with March just a month away. The Cyclones have failed to reach the Elite Eight in each of their four NCAA Tournament appearances under T.J. Otzelberger.
Fortunately, they returned the majority of last season’s core, and that experience has turned Iowa State into a legitimate contender to cut down the nets.
While Otzelberger is largely praised for his prowess as a defensive mastermind, the nation’s 15th-ranked offense has thrived behind the exceptional play of its leaders: Milan Momcilovic, Joshua Jefferson and primary operator, senior point guard Tamin Lipsey.
Iowa State once again boasts a top-five defense, but it’s the offensive evolution that's enabled the Cyclones to turn a corner.
Otzelberger’s offensive philosophy emphasizes spacing, interior passing and deliberate half-court sets, resulting in an extremely well-balanced offensive machine.
The Cyclones frequently use screens to create efficient scoring opportunities in the paint, while also forcing defensive shifts that open passing lanes for perimeter players cutting to the basket.
Iowa State’s offense requires production from both the backcourt and frontcourt, making it difficult for opposing teams to establish a consistent defensive game plan against a lineup that can score both inside and out.
While the Cyclones' frontcourt is converting over 58% of its field goal attempts near the basket, Momcilovic is also one of the best 3-point shooters in the sport, highlighting just how challenging this attack is to contain.
Iowa State’s transition offense is another facet that separates this team from past seasons. Its stout defensive efforts often lead to an up-tempo attack, catching defenses out of position heading the other way.
The effectiveness of that transition game has resulted in shorter possessions and, in turn, more points.
This balanced ability to score both in the paint and on the perimeter makes the Cyclones one of the most versatile teams in the country.
Kansas State Basketball
After a promising 5-0 start to the season, Kansas State head coach Jerome Tang had plenty to be optimistic about in his fourth year at the helm.
Unfortunately for the Wildcats, it's been all downhill since entering the heart of Big 12 play. Kansas State enters Sunday’s matchup against the Clones having lost consecutive games — and seven of its first eight conference contests.
It'll be an extremely uphill battle for this team to turn it around, as it ranks outside the top 80 nationally in offensive efficiency, according to KenPom.
Leading the way for the Wildcats is 6-foot-4 junior guard PJ Haggerty. This marks Haggerty’s fourth team in as many seasons, most notably playing for Penny Hardaway at Memphis in 2024-25. Haggerty is a natural and highly gifted scorer, averaging 23 points per game (fifth-best in college hoops).
While Haggerty is enjoying a phenomenal junior season in Manhattan, the same can’t be said for the rest of Tang’s roster, with only two other players averaging double figures.
Haggerty’s scoring has been a lone bright spot for a skidding Wildcats squad, but much of the blame lies on the defensive end. Entering Sunday’s matchup, Kansas State ranks outside the top 100 nationally in defensive efficiency, per KenPom.
Tang received significant praise in his first season at Kansas State, when Markquis Nowell led the Wildcats to an Elite Eight appearance. Now, with Tang on track to post three consecutive Big 12 records below .500, speculation has begun to swirl that the fourth-year head coach could be on the hot seat.
Iowa State vs. Kansas State Betting Analysis
While I do think Kansas State’s luck is due to head in the other direction, I don’t believe this is the ideal spot for the Wildcats to turn their season around. They're facing one of the most well-balanced teams in college basketball, and that's bad news.
That said, I’m also not thrilled about laying a big number with the Cyclones in a true conference road game.
Instead, I’ll be taking a more unique approach.
The Wildcats' defense has been horrific, especially when it comes to defending the perimeter. I expect Kansas State to have its hands full Sunday afternoon trying to contain Momcilovic, both in the paint and from beyond the arc.
So, I'll be backing the forward to exceed his point total in this Big 12 matchup.
My Pick: Milan Momcilovic Over Points Prop
