West Virginia vs Iowa State Prediction 1/2/2026 Today’s College Basketball Picks

The West Virginia Mountaineers and the Iowa State Cyclones meet Friday in college basketball action from the Hilton Coliseum. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best bets for this game. Here’s a West Virginia Mountaineers vs. Iowa State Cyclones prediction.

West Virginia Mountaineers Recap

The West Virginia Mountaineers come into this game looking to add on to their 86-51 win over Mississippi Valley State last time out to sit at 9-4 this season. After this game, West Virginia will head home for a game against Cincinnati.

Mountaineers Alternate Wins & Losses In 5 Straight

Honor Huff leads the Mountaineers in scoring with 17.5 PPG while Brenen Lorient has 10.7 PPG with 5.7 RPG. Chance Moore has 12.3 PPG with 6.1 RPG to cap off the group of double-digit scorers for West Virginia so far this season. Jasper Floyd has 7.8 PPG along with 3.3 RPG and a team-high 3.7 APG to lead the Mountaineers in assists and 2.2 SPG to lead in steals. Treysen Eaglestaff has 9.3 PPG with 4.4 RPG and DJ Thomas has also added 6.9 PPG this season. As a team, West Virginia is averaging 76.2 PPG on 45.5% shooting from the field, 35.9% from three and 68.9% from the foul line this season. 

Iowa State Cyclones Recap

The Iowa State Cyclones come into this game looking to add on to their 89-61 win over Houston Christian last time out to improve to 13-0 this season. After this game, Iowa State will head on the road for a game against Baylor.

Cyclones Looking To Stay Unbeaten

Joshua Jefferson leads the Cyclones with 18.1 PPG, 7.1 RPG and 5 APG while Milan Momcilovic has 17.9 PPG with 3.2 RPG and Tamin Lipsey has 14.2 PPG with 3.8 RPG and 6 APG along with 2.6 SPG. Killyan Toure has 11 PPG with 3.2 RPG and 2.8 APG to cap off the group of double-digit scorers for Iowa State so far this season. Blake Buchanan has 9.9 PPG with 6.7 RPG as well this season. As a team, Iowa State is averaging 90.4 PPG on 53.2% shooting from the field, 41% from three and 68.9% from the foul line this season. 

West Virginia Mountaineers @ Iowa State Cyclones Betting Trends: January 2, 2026

Why the Iowa State Cyclones will win

• Iowa State has won each of its last 19 games at James H. Hilton Coliseum when playing with a rest disadvantage.
• West Virginia has lost each of its last seven night games against Top 10 AP-ranked opponents.
• Iowa State has won the first half in 18 of its last 19 night games at James H. Hilton Coliseum against non-AP-ranked opponents.

Why the West Virginia Mountaineers will win

• West Virginia has won eight of its last nine night games against Iowa State.
• West Virginia has won the first half in 10 of its last 11 night games.

Total Points Facts

• Each of West Virginia’s last nine night games at James H. Hilton Coliseum have produced a total of 141+ points.
• Seventeen of the last 19 night games between West Virginia and Iowa State have produced a total of 141+ points.

Matchup/League Facts

• Iowa State ranks 2nd among Division 1 teams for point differential per game this season (+27.5).
• Iowa State ranks 2nd among Division 1 teams for net rating this season (+39.1).
• West Virginia ranks 5th among Division 1 teams for opponent points per game this season (60.2).
• West Virginia ranks 357th among Division 1 teams for pace this season (64.3).

West Virginia Mountaineers vs. Iowa State Cyclones Prediction

I’m on the Mountaineers and the points here. Historically, this has been a competitive fixture in Big 12 play, and I honestly don’t expect any different here. West Virginia isn’t a bad team, and Iowa State likely still wins this game comfortably, but I think by 12-14 points max. Give me West Virginia and the points here.

Chris Ruffolo's Pick: West Virginia +17.5