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NCAA Basketball: Best Bets for the Big 12/SEC Challenge

By Bryce Bennett

Jan 21, 2017; Lexington, KY, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Malik Monk (5) celebrates with forward Edrice Bam Adebayo (3) during the game against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the second half at Rupp Arena. Kentucky defeated South Carolina 85-69. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 21, 2017; Lexington, KY, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Malik Monk (5) celebrates with forward Edrice Bam Adebayo (3) during the game against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the second half at Rupp Arena. Kentucky defeated South Carolina 85-69. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 4, 2017; Waco, TX, USA; Iowa State Cyclones guard Deonte Burton (30) dribbles against Baylor Bears forward Johnathan Motley (5) during the first half at Ferrell Center. Mandatory Credit: Ray Carlin-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 4, 2017; Waco, TX, USA; Iowa State Cyclones guard Deonte Burton (30) dribbles against Baylor Bears forward Johnathan Motley (5) during the first half at Ferrell Center. Mandatory Credit: Ray Carlin-USA TODAY Sports /

Iowa State (-2) at Vanderbilt

I don’t really understand this line. Vanderbilt is 1-5 over their last six games and 9-11 overall. They struggle defensively and just suffered their most demoralizing defeat on Wednesday in the blown loss at home against Arkansas. Iowa State is 13-6 overall with two wins in a row and played Kansas closely in a home loss last weekend. Why again are the Cyclones only favored by two?

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Further confounding is the fact that Monte Morris will probably have a field day. The talented senior could easily drop 25 while sprinkling in some assists to teammates. He has averaged almost 19 a game over his last five games.

For Vanderbilt, Matthew Fisher-Davis needs to have a good game for Vanderbilt to compete. The 6’5″ wing averages 16 points per game and shoots over 40 percent from three. Maturity issues have crept up in the past two weeks in a non-start against Georgia. Coach Bryce Drew says things are fine, but it remains something to monitor for the Commodores.

I like the Cyclones in this match up. I think they could win this one by double digits. Coach Drew at Vanderbilt doesn’t have his players yet and the Commodores will fall further below .500 in this home loss in Nashville.

Pick: Iowa State (-2)

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