Memphis Tigers Edge Iowa State Cyclones in Close Contest
Monday, November 2, 2026, 7:00 PM ET · Sanford Pentagon
Memphis Tigers 80, Iowa State Cyclones 76, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
The next free pick, for your email
Team, bet, price and the hash it was sealed under, on this page the moment you send. Lose or win, it stays public.
or by email
Public record of the main pick, losses included: 115 won, 44 lost. See every pick
One free pick a day by email until you unsubscribe, in one click. 21+.
Quick answers
Who won Memphis Tigers vs Iowa State Cyclones?
Memphis Tigers beat Iowa State Cyclones 80-76 at Sanford Pentagon on November 2, 2026.
Who was favored in Memphis Tigers vs Iowa State Cyclones?
Iowa State Cyclones were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -1600 (about 94% implied). The underdog won.
The Memphis Tigers secured a thrilling victory against the Iowa State Cyclones, winning 80-76 in a closely contested matchup at the Sanford Pentagon. This game was notable as it marked Iowa State's second game of the season, while Memphis improved to 2-0 with this win.
Iowa State entered the game with a home record of 0-1, having lost their season opener. In their last ten games, they have a record of 6-4, but they are currently on a one-game losing streak. The Cyclones averaged 75.0 points scored and allowed 65.8 points per game during that stretch. Their recent form showed a scoring average of 77.8 points and an average of 63.0 points allowed over their last five games, indicating a solid offensive performance but a need for improvement defensively.
On the other hand, Memphis came into the game with a road record of 1-0. Their recent form has been less favorable, with a record of 2-8 in their last ten games and currently on a one-game losing streak. The Tigers have struggled defensively, allowing an average of 83.8 points while scoring 75.8 points per game during that span. Over their last five games, they averaged 80.8 points scored but allowed a concerning 88.8 points.
Historically, these two teams have faced each other in the past, but their most recent meeting was significant as it set the tone for this season. The game was played under competitive conditions, and both teams were looking to establish their footing early in the season.
In terms of injuries, the block does not provide specific details, but the absence of key players can always impact team performance. The market had priced Iowa State as the favorite with a spread of -15.5, according to DraftKings, indicating expectations of a strong performance from the Cyclones despite their recent struggles. The total for the game was set at 157.5, with both the over and under odds at -110. The moneyline reflected a significant favorite status for Iowa State at -1600, while Memphis was listed at +900.
The game conditions were typical for early November, and both teams were eager to showcase their talents. As the match progressed, key moments defined the outcome. Jayden Reid played a crucial role for Memphis, making critical scoring plays in the second half, including a pivotal 25-foot three-point jumper that extended Memphis's lead. His performance was complemented by Jaquan Johnson, who contributed with free throws that helped maintain the Tigers' advantage late in the game.
For Iowa State, Tamin Lipsey and Dominykas Pleta attempted to rally their team back into contention, but Memphis's late-game execution proved decisive. The final moments saw Memphis holding onto their lead, ultimately sealing the victory.
Viewers should note the contrasting styles of play between the two teams, with Iowa State relying on a more balanced scoring approach while Memphis showcased their ability to score in bursts. The outcome of this game could have implications for both teams as they navigate their respective seasons, making it a fixture worth following closely.
What we said beforehand
The Iowa State Cyclones are set to face the Memphis Tigers in their season opener at the Sanford Pentagon on November 3, 2026. Both teams enter this matchup with a record of 0-0, making this an intriguing start to their respective seasons. The Cyclones are favored by 15.5 points according to DraftKings, with a total set at 157.5.
Iowa State's recent form shows a mixed bag of results, finishing their last ten games with a record of 6-4. They are coming off a loss against the Arizona Wildcats, where they fell 82-80. However, prior to that, they secured victories against Texas Tech Red Raiders (75-53), Tennessee State Tigers (108-74), and Kentucky Wildcats (82-63). The Cyclones have averaged 75.0 points scored and allowed 65.8 points over their last ten games, with a home record of 4-1 and an away record of 2-3. Notably, they have averaged 77.8 points scored and 63.0 points allowed in their last five games.
In contrast, the Memphis Tigers have struggled recently, posting a record of 2-8 over their last ten games. They are also coming off a loss, having been defeated by the Tulane Green Wave 81-69. Their recent victories include a narrow win over Tulane in overtime (96-95), but they have lost to teams like Wichita State Shockers (88-82) and East Carolina Pirates (84-68). The Tigers have averaged 75.8 points scored and 83.8 points allowed in their last ten games, with a home record of 1-4 and an away record of 1-4. In their last five games, they have averaged 80.8 points scored but allowed a staggering 88.8 points.
Historically, the Cyclones and Tigers have not faced each other recently, making this matchup particularly interesting as both teams look to establish their identity for the new season. The Cyclones will be aiming to leverage their home advantage, while the Tigers will seek to turn around their recent form.
In terms of injuries, the block does not provide specific details, but any absence of key players could significantly impact the dynamics of the game. Fans will want to keep an eye on the starting lineups as the game approaches.
The conditions at the Sanford Pentagon will be crucial, as the venue's atmosphere can influence the performance of both teams. The Cyclones will look to capitalize on their home court, while the Tigers will need to find a way to overcome the challenges of playing away.
As the game approaches, viewers should watch for how Iowa State's scoring ability holds up against Memphis's defense, which has struggled this past season. Additionally, the effectiveness of Memphis's offense will be under scrutiny, especially given their recent high-scoring games but also their tendency to allow a significant number of points. This matchup promises to be a compelling start to the college basketball season.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | ISU -15.5 | 157.5 o -110 / u -110 | Memphis Tigers +900 · Iowa State Cyclones -1600 |
Leaders
- PointsRyan Prather Jr.19Iowa State Cyclones
- AssistsJaquan Johnson3Iowa State Cyclones
- ReboundsTre Singleton11Iowa State Cyclones
- PointsJayden Reid26Memphis Tigers
- AssistsTylik Weeks4Memphis Tigers
- ReboundsLuke Almodovar8Memphis Tigers
Recent form
Iowa State Cyclones
Last 10: 6-4Streak L175 scored · 65.8 allowed per game4-1 at home
- L80-82at Arizona WildcatsMar 13
- W75-53at Texas Tech Red RaidersMar 12
- W91-42vs Arizona State Sun DevilsMar 11
- W86-65vs Arizona State Sun DevilsMar 7
- L57-73at Arizona WildcatsMar 3
- L73-82vs Texas Tech Red RaidersFeb 28
- W75-59at Utah UtesFeb 25
- L69-79at BYU CougarsFeb 22
- W70-67vs Houston CougarsFeb 17
- W74-56vs Kansas JayhawksFeb 14
Memphis Tigers
Last 10: 2-8Streak L175.8 scored · 83.8 allowed per game1-4 away
- L69-81vs Tulane Green WaveMar 11
- W96-95at Tulane Green WaveMar 8
- L89-96vs South Florida BullsMar 6
- L68-84at East Carolina PiratesMar 1
- L82-88vs Wichita State ShockersFeb 27
- L67-78vs UAB BlazersFeb 22
- L66-87at South Florida BullsFeb 20
- L75-99at Utah State AggiesFeb 15
- L69-76at North Texas Mean GreenFeb 13
- W77-54vs Charlotte 49ersFeb 8
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charlotte | 1-0 | - | 0-0 |
| East Carolina | 1-0 | - | 0-0 |
| Florida Atlantic | 1-0 | - | 0-0 |
| Memphis | 1-0 | - | 0-0 |
| Rice | 1-0 | - | 0-0 |
| South Florida | 1-0 | - | 0-0 |
| Temple | 1-0 | - | 0-0 |
| Tulsa | 1-0 | - | 0-0 |
| North Texas | 0-0 | - | 0-0 |
| Tulane | 0-0 | - | 0-0 |
| Wichita State | 0-0 | - | 0-0 |
| UAB | 0-1 | - | 0-0 |
| UTSA | 0-1 | - | 0-0 |
| Cincinnati | 1-0 | - | 0-0 |
| Texas Tech | 1-0 | - | 0-0 |
| UCF | 1-0 | - | 0-0 |
| West Virginia | 1-0 | - | 0-0 |
| Arizona | 0-0 | - | 0-0 |
| Arizona State | 0-0 | - | 0-0 |
| BYU | 0-0 | - | 0-0 |
| Baylor | 0-0 | - | 0-0 |
| Colorado | 0-0 | - | 0-0 |
| Houston | 0-0 | - | 0-0 |
| Kansas | 0-0 | - | 0-0 |
| Kansas State | 0-0 | - | 0-0 |
| Oklahoma State | 0-0 | - | 0-0 |
| TCU | 0-0 | - | 0-0 |
| Utah | 0-0 | - | 0-0 |
| Iowa State | 0-1 | - | 0-0 |
Box score
| Stat | Memphis Tigers | Iowa State Cyclones |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 23-55 | 25-58 |
| Field goal % | 42 | 43 |
| Three-pointers | 9-20 | 4-20 |
| Three-point % | 45 | 20 |
| Free throws | 25-33 | 22-32 |
| Free throw % | 76 | 69 |
| Rebounds | 38 | 36 |
| Offensive rebounds | 12 | 14 |
| Defensive rebounds | 26 | 22 |
| Assists | 11 | 13 |
| Steals | 7 | 4 |
| Blocks | 4 | 4 |
| Turnovers | 13 | 11 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 12 | 14 |
| Fast-break points | 14 | 5 |
| Points in the paint | 26 | 38 |
| Fouls | 29 | 21 |
| Largest lead | 7 | 5 |
| Lead changes | 12 | 12 |
| Time in front | 82 | 12 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half45-46Taj Manning makes layup
- 2nd Half48-46Rihards Vavers makes 25-foot three point jumper (Tylik Weeks assists)
- 2nd Half48-48Ryan Prather Jr. makes layup (Taj Manning assists)
- 2nd Half49-48Tylik Weeks makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half50-48Tylik Weeks makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half50-50Ryan Prather Jr. makes 3-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half53-50Jayden Reid makes 24-foot three point jumper (Cello Jackson Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half54-50Jayden Reid makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half55-50Jayden Reid makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half55-52Tre Singleton makes 12-foot jumper
- 2nd Half56-52Jayden Reid makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half58-52Tylik Weeks makes 3-foot dunk
- 2nd Half58-54Dominykas Pleta makes layup (Tre Singleton assists)
- 2nd Half58-56Dominykas Pleta makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half60-56Corneilous Williams makes 4-foot dunk (Tylik Weeks assists)
- 2nd Half60-58Dominykas Pleta makes 2-foot alley oop dunk (Jaquan Johnson assists)
- 2nd Half63-58Rihards Vavers makes 25-foot three point jumper (Jayden Reid assists)
- 2nd Half63-59Jaquan Johnson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half63-60Jaquan Johnson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half63-61Jaquan Johnson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half63-62Jaquan Johnson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half66-62Luke Almodovar makes 22-foot three point jumper (Rihards Vavers assists)
- 2nd Half69-62Rihards Vavers makes 27-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half69-64Dominykas Pleta makes 4-foot dunk (Tamin Lipsey assists)
- 2nd Half69-66Tre Singleton makes layup
- 2nd Half69-67Dominykas Pleta makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half69-68Ryan Prather Jr. makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half69-69Ryan Prather Jr. makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half71-69Jayden Reid makes layup
- 2nd Half72-69Jayden Reid makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half73-69Jayden Reid makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half73-71Dominykas Pleta makes layup (Jaquan Johnson assists)
- 2nd Half75-71Jayden Reid makes layup
- 2nd Half75-72Jaquan Johnson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half75-73Jaquan Johnson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half78-73Jayden Reid makes 25-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half78-74Tamin Lipsey makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half79-74Jayden Reid makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half80-74Jayden Reid makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half80-76Dominykas Pleta makes layup (Tamin Lipsey assists)
Win probability
Above the line favours Iowa State Cyclones, below favours Memphis Tigers.
Venue
- Sanford PentagonSioux Falls, SD
- Attendance3458
- OfficialsVladimir Voyard-Tadal, Eric Curry, Chris Merlo
Elsewhere
- Kanon Catchings, Blue Cain help Georgia outlast North Carolina Central 78-62
- Dior Johnson scores 41 points, rescues UCF in overtime of 96-95 win over Florida Gulf Coast
- Fogle scores 22 points to spark No. 15 Gonzaga's season-opening 78-72 win over Purdue
- Blackley puts up 15 as New Hampshire downs Brown 59-55
- Sandfort scores 20 to lead Nebraska over Le Moyne 106-64 in opener
- Westry scores 17 off the bench, Xavier beats Mount St. Mary's 97-52