Two of the top teams in the country will face off on Wednesday night as the Iowa State Cyclones host the Marquette Golden Eagles in one of the premier matchups of the Big 12-Big East Battle.
Both teams have looked good so far, but the Golden Eagles are more battle-tested at this point, and that’s why I like them to cover in my Marquette vs. Iowa predictions.
I’ll dig into the matchup below and offer up my best bets in my free college basketball picks for Wednesday, December 4.
Marquette vs Iowa State prediction
My best bet
Marquette +5.5 (-110 at bet365)
My analysis
Marquette is off to an impressive 8-0 start, and that success has come against competitive programs. In mid-November, the Golden Eagles scored wins over Maryland, Purdue, and Georgia. That was a stretch of three games with single-digit spreads, and Marquette covered in all three outings.
Early in the season, Marquette appears to be developing an identity as one of the toughest defensive squads in the country. The Golden Eagles are allowing 63.6 points per game to their opponents, currently ranked sixth in adjusted defensive rating according to KenPom.
That defense will be tested in Ames, as Iowa State is shooting an impressive 50.9% from the field this season. However, Marquette also has the firepower to keep up with the Cyclones if this game turns into more of a shootout.
Senior guard Kam Jones (19.6 ppg) is one of the better scorers in the country, and he’s joined by three other players who are averaging double digits. Overall, the Golden Eagles are averaging a healthy 84.5 ppg and put up 76+ points in each of their three contests against major conference opponents this season.
Meanwhile, Iowa State's 19th-ranked defense rating is mostly thanks to blowout wins against outgunned mid-majors. The Cyclones are also 2-4
Marquette vs Iowa State same-game parlay
Marquette +5.5
Over 150.5
Kam Jones 20+ points
Along with taking Marquette to cover, I’ll also take a bet on the Over at a reasonable total tonight. Both teams are riding streaks of hitting the Over, and both offenses are accustomed to going above 80 points, so we should be able to eclipse this O/U.
For the Golden Eagles, I'm backing Kam Jones to score 20+ points tonight. Jones has hit that total in four of his first eight games, and he should shine in a high-scoring game.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
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Marquette vs Iowa State odds
Marquette vs Iowa State live odds
Marquette vs Iowa State opening odds
- Spread: Marquette +6 | Iowa State -6
- Moneyline: Marquette +210 | Iowa State -260
- Over/Under: Over 152.5 | Under 152.5
Odds courtesy of bet365
Marquette vs Iowa State betting trend to know
The Golden Eagles are 4-1 ATS in their last five games overall. Find more college basketball betting trends for Marquette vs. Iowa State.
How to watch Marquette vs Iowa State
| Location: | Hilton Coliseum, Ames, IA |
| Date: | Wednesday, 12-4-2024 |
| Tip-off: | 8:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | ESPN+ |
Marquette vs Iowa State key injuries
Not intended for use in MA.
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