The No. 1 seed Arizona Wildcats face the No. 5 seed Iowa State Cyclones in the semifinals of the Big 12 Tournament on Friday.
The Cyclones destroyed their first two opponents in the tourney, and my Iowa State vs. Arizona predictions are backing them as underdogs tonight.
Here are my best free college basketball picks for this clash between two of the best teams in the country.
Iowa State vs Arizona prediction
Iowa State vs Arizona best bet
Iowa State vs Arizona best bet: Iowa State +4 (-110)
The Iowa State Cyclones are in a revenge spot after losing 73-57 on the road against the Arizona Wildcats last week. Tamin Lipsey, Milan Momcilovic, and Joshua Jefferson combined to shoot just 10-40 from the field, including 3-17 from deep, in that game.
All three were All-Big 12 selections, so expect them to play much better tonight. Especially since this should feel like a home game with ISU fans turning the T-Mobile center into "Hilton South."
On defense, ISU has the size to clog the paint and force Arizona into tough outside shots while the backcourt creates turnovers with pressure.
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Iowa State vs Arizona same-game parlay
The Wildcats rank second in the country in adjusted defense while the Cyclones are fourth, and both have strong Under trends. Arizona has cashed the Under in 11 of its last 15 games, while Iowa State is 17-8 to the Under in its previous 25.
Joshua Jefferson has dropped 18+ points in four of his last six games. He went just 2-17 in the previous clash against Arizona and still finished with 12 points. The star forward was expected to score 11 more points based on the quality of looks he got, according to ShotQualityBets.
Iowa State vs Arizona SGP
- Iowa State +4
- Under 143
- Joshua Jefferson Over 16.5 points
Our beyond the arc SGP: Cyclones stun
Iowa State has benefitted from the home-court feel in Kansas City, winning five of the last 11 conference tournaments here. Meanwhile, Arizona coach Tommy Lloyd is more focused on the national title with the best team he's ever had.
That makes this a prime spot to back the Cyclones on the moneyline instead of the spread, ramping this SGP from +650 to +850.
Iowa State vs Arizona SGP
- Iowa State ML
- Under 143
- Joshua Jefferson Over 16.5 points
Iowa State vs Arizona odds
- Spread: Iowa State +4 | Arizona -4
- Moneyline: Iowa State +155 | Arizona -185
- Over/Under: Over 143 | Under 143
Iowa State vs Arizona betting trend to know
The Cyclones are 6-1 SU and ATS in their last seven conference tournament games. Find more college basketball betting trends for Iowa State vs. Arizona.
How to watch Iowa State vs Arizona
| Location | T-Mobile Center, Kansas City, MO |
| Date | Friday, March 13, 2026 |
| Tip-off | 7:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | ESPN |
Iowa State vs Arizona 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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