Jan 24, 2017; Morgantown, WV, USA; West Virginia Mountaineers head coach Bob Huggins reacts to a call during the first half against the Kansas Jayhawks at WVU Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Ben Queen-USA TODAY Sports
Iowa State (13-7, 5-3) vs. No. 7 West Virginia (17-4, 5-3)
TV: 8 p.m. on ESPN2
Line: West Virginia by 3.5
Chris Williams (7-2): I think that Iowa State will win this game. Leading up to the Vanderbilt, I had a bad feeling about everything surrounding that weird game at this point in the season. On Monday, Steve Prohm confirmed that his team didn’t practice well before its trip to Nashville. My guess is that we will see a Cyclone team firing on all cylinders in one of college basketball’s best environments against a West Virginia team that has struggled on the road. The Pick: Iowa State 81, West Virginia 76
Jared Stansbury (7-2): I like this matchup for Iowa State. I think the Cyclones’ experienced backcourt is steady enough to handle Press Virginia, especially at home. I think West Virginia is one of the three elite teams in the Big 12, but they’ve proven to be beatable during the start of conference play. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Deonte Burton have a nice game in a press breaking role leading in transition down the middle of the floor. That could lead to some open shots in the corners for Naz Mitrou-Long and Matt Thomas, too. The pick: Iowa State 82, West Virginia 78
