Two of the best teams in the nation face off in a titanic Big 12 matchup between No. 3 Houston and No. 5 Iowa State on February 16.
The Cougars have underperformed against overmatched foes the last two games, which is why my Houston at Iowa State predictions and college basketball picks expect the reinvigorated Cougars to cover the spread.
Houston vs Iowa State prediction
Houston vs Iowa State best bet: Houston +2.5 (-110)
Houston took its foot off the gas in the last two games, failing to cover as double-digit faves, and now it'll get right in its first game as an underdog this season.
Kelvin Sampson will have his Cougars dialed in against an Iowa State squad that is an underwhelming 7-6-1 against the spread as a home favorite this season.
The Cyclones are coming off their biggest win over Kansas in half a century, and now they draw the Houston D, ranked in the Top 10 nationally.
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Houston vs Iowa State same-game parlay
With the No. 166 tempo in the country, Iowa State is rarely the team speeding things up. Houston ranks 184 spots lower in pace. The teams have combined to go Under in 58% of their games this season, including the last three for ISU and five for the Cougars.
Tamin Lipsey will be trying to score on his own, which means his assist numbers will likely be down as everyone is blanketed by the Cougars inside.
Houston vs Iowa State SGP
- Arizona +2.5
- Under 135
- Tamin Lipsey Under 4.5 assists
Our beyond the arc SGP: Board meeting
I expect plenty of missed shots, which is why I'm going heavy on rebounding Overs.
Kingston Flemings has had four or more boards in four of five games, Joshua Jefferson has eight or more in three of his last five, and Chris Cenac Jr. is averaging 7.4 rebounds per game.
Houston vs Iowa State SGP
- Joshua Jefferson Over 6.5 rebounds
- Kingston Flemings Over 3.5 rebounds
- Chris Cenac Jr. Over 6.5 rebounds
- Tamin Lipsey Under 4.5 assists
Houston vs Iowa State odds
- Spread: Houston +2.5 | Iowa State -2.5
- Moneyline: Houston +120 | Iowa State -140
- Over/Under: Over 135 | Under 135
Houston vs Iowa State betting trend to know
Iowa State has hit the team total Under in 12 of its last 16 games. Find more college basketball betting trends for Houston vs. Iowa State.
How to watch Houston vs Iowa State
| Location | Hilton Coliseum, Ames, IA |
| Date | Monday, February 16, 2026 |
| Tip-off | 9:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | ESPN |
Houston vs Iowa State key injuries
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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