Kansas vs. Iowa State Feb. 25 Free Pick

It took overtime for Kansas to put away Iowa State when these two teams tipped off conference play about six weeks ago. Early February struggles for both sides have been quickly forgotten, as Kansas rides a four game winning streak into the James H. Hilton Coliseum to meet the Cyclones who are riding a three-gamer of their own. The opening number lists the Jayhawks as small 2-point road favorites.

Free Pick

After a three-game losing streak brought Kansas back down to Earth, they have found their stride again and won four straight including wins over over Kansas State and at Oklahoma State. Kansas now is tied for the conference lead with K-State, who they have already beaten twice this year. Bill Self certainly has challenged his team to win out and take the Big-12 title.

The Jayhawks have still struggled a little bit as of late to create offense when their motion offense isn’t creating enough space. Ben McLemore has done everything and more that was expected of him coming into the year, but he is still a very passive offensive threat for someone that leads his team in scoring. Jeff Withey has a distinct size advantage against the Cyclones and Kansas will need to find a way to feed him the ball in the post – something they have struggled to do at times this season. Playing inside-out will allow Withey to find all of KU’s catch-and-shoot guys around the perimeter when the double-team comes. Look for Elijah Johnson, Travis Releford and McLemore to spread the arch and look for entries to Withey and then the kick-out for open three-point opportunities.

Iowa State looked like the better team for much of the game a month and a half ago in the Phog. Freshman, Georges Niang began the game on fire for the Cyclones, as he was inserted into the starting lineup and KU did not have a game plan for him. Niang was able to exploit Kevin Young on the perimeter and hit some early jumpers to quiet the crowd. All five ISU starters reached double-figure scoring in addition to Tyrus McGee off the bench. The Cyclones don’t have to worry about quieting a crowd in this one, as they are playing in a building where they are unbeaten on the season. Senior guard Will Clyburn (14.9 ppg) leads ISU into a game that they may need to have if they want any chance of capturing the Big-12 title. At 9-5 in the conference, Iowa State sits within striking distance of Kansas and K-State and will draw themselves a full game closer in the standings with a home win.

This game should be a dogfight like the spread indicates. Iowa State should give an inspired effort in a revenge spot where their tournament hopes may lie. The Cyclones can match up athletically with the Jayhawks and they have a little more versatility to be able to create matchup problems against a very balanced, but fairly inflexible KU lineup. Fred Hoiberg will have a game plan to take advantage of his personnel and make things tough for Kansas. On ESPN, in their biggest game of the season, Iowa State seems like the spot here. In a game where anybody can win, take the points and lean on the home ‘dog.

Free Pick: Iowa State +2