Iowa State Cyclones vs BYU Cougars Prediction, Odds and Picks for Today, 02/21/26

The Iowa State Cyclones (23-3, 10-3 Big 12) head to Provo for a pivotal conference showdown against the BYU Cougars (19-7, 7-6 Big 12) in what projects as one of the more competitive matchups on the Big 12 slate. Iowa State enters ranked inside the top 10 nationally and has built its resume on balance and defensive consistency, allowing just 67-68 points per game while scoring nearly 80 per contest. The Cyclones’ depth has been a strength all season, with multiple double figure scoring threats and a defensive identity built around ball pressure and physical half court execution. However, their road play in Big 12 action has been less dominant, with turnover stretches and free throw inconsistency occasionally keeping opponents within reach. In a hostile road environment like the Marriott Center, those small inefficiencies can become magnified.

BYU comes in battle tested and dangerous at home, even after dealing with key injury adversity. The Cougars continue to lean on dynamic freshman AJ Dybantsa and high scoring guard Robert Wright III, who recently erupted for 39 points in an overtime win over Colorado, underscoring BYU’s ability to generate offense in bunches. While Iowa State’s defense is elite on paper, BYU’s pace, perimeter shooting, and home court energy often swing momentum quickly. This series has produced tight finishes in recent meetings, and stylistically, BYU’s shot making gives them the firepower to trade punches for 40 minutes. If the Cougars limit live ball turnovers and control tempo offensively, they have a strong chance to keep this within a possession or win the game outright.

Iowa State vs BYU Prediction: BYU +3.5 (-110) available at time of publishing. Playable to +3

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