Basketball

PREDICTIONS: Iowa State at Texas

Jan 7, 2017; Ames, IA, USA; Texas Longhorns head coach Shaka Smart reacts during the first half against the Iowa State Cyclones at James H. Hilton Coliseum. Iowa State won 79-70. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports

Iowa State (14-8, 6-4) at Texas (9-14, 3-7)

TV: 8 p.m. on ESPN2

Line: Iowa State by 3

Chris Williams: The fact that Solomon Young is getting consistent minutes and more importantly, the fact that Steve Prohm is comfortable with playing him more makes me feel better about this road trip for the Cyclones. That should help neutralize Jarrett Allen. I like Iowa State’s guards over Texas’. My gut is expecting a letdown following Saturday’s emotional win at Kansas but my head looks at these two teams, thinks Iowa State is simply better and also knows that these Cyclones are very good on the road, 3-2 at this point in the conference slate. The Pick: Iowa State 77, Texas 75

Brent Blum: Texas’ talented big man Jarrett Allen is starting to figure it out. He has become a much bigger threat in the post and is a large concern. If the Cyclones can keep Allen in check and keep the streaky Eric Davis from catching fire, I really like Iowa State to win. The Longhorns struggle to find consistent offense and Iowa State’s veteran back-court has enough firepower. Don’t be fooled by Texas’ 9-14 record, this is going down to the wire. The Pick: Iowa State 75 Texas 71.

@cyclonefanatic