Iowa State Dominates UCF in Convincing Win
Tuesday, January 20, 2026, 7:00 PM ET · Hilton Coliseum
Iowa State Cyclones 87, UCF Knights 57, 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 UCF Knights vs Iowa State Cyclones?
Iowa State Cyclones beat UCF Knights 87-57 at Hilton Coliseum on January 20, 2026.
Who was favored in UCF Knights vs Iowa State Cyclones?
Iowa State Cyclones were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -1350 (about 93% implied). The favorite won.
In a decisive matchup at Hilton Coliseum, the Iowa State Cyclones showcased their dominance over the UCF Knights, securing an 87-57 victory. This game was particularly noteworthy as it highlighted Iowa State's strong home record and their ability to bounce back after two consecutive losses. The Cyclones improved to 18-2 overall, while UCF fell to 14-5 with the defeat.
Iowa State entered the game with a home record of 17-2 and had been 8-2 in their last ten games, although they were on a two-game losing streak prior to this matchup. Their average scoring during this stretch was 77.1 points per game, while allowing 64.7 points. In contrast, UCF had a solid away record of 14-4, with an average of 82.5 points scored and 73.2 points allowed over their last ten games. However, they were also coming off a loss, having fallen to the Arizona Wildcats just days before.
The Cyclones had previously faced the Knights twice in the 2025 season, winning both encounters decisively. They triumphed 108-83 at home and followed it up with a 77-65 victory on the road. This history undoubtedly contributed to their confidence heading into this latest meeting.
In terms of injuries, the block did not specify any players missing from either team, indicating that both squads were likely at full strength for this important game. This allowed for a competitive atmosphere, though Iowa State's home advantage was evident throughout the contest.
The market had Iowa State favored heavily, with DraftKings setting the spread at -14.5 and a total of 156.5 for the game. The money line reflected Iowa State's dominance, priced at -1350 for the Cyclones and +800 for UCF, further indicating the expectations for a strong performance from the home team.
Conditions in Hilton Coliseum were optimal for basketball, with a packed crowd adding to the electric atmosphere. Fans witnessed an impressive display of shooting from the Cyclones, particularly in the second half, where they pulled away decisively. Key scoring plays included Carmelo Pacheco's two three-pointers and several layups that showcased Iowa State's offensive depth.
As the game progressed, Iowa State's ability to control the pace and rhythm became increasingly apparent. The Cyclones not only outscored UCF but also demonstrated superior defensive capabilities, limiting the Knights to just 57 points. This performance will likely serve as a crucial turning point for Iowa State as they look to build momentum moving forward in the season.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | ISU -14.5 | 156.5 o -112 / u -108 | UCF Knights +800 · Iowa State Cyclones -1350 |
Leaders
- PointsMilan Momcilovic20Iowa State Cyclones
- AssistsJoshua Jefferson12Iowa State Cyclones
- ReboundsJoshua Jefferson10Iowa State Cyclones
- PointsJordan Burks15UCF Knights
- AssistsThemus Fulks5UCF Knights
- ReboundsJordan Burks7UCF Knights
Recent form
Iowa State Cyclones
Last 10: 8-2Streak L277.1 scored · 64.7 allowed per game6-0 at home
- L70-79at Cincinnati BearcatsJan 17
- L63-84at Kansas JayhawksJan 14
- W83-71vs Oklahoma State CowboysJan 10
- W70-60at Baylor BearsJan 8
- W80-59vs West Virginia MountaineersJan 3
- W89-61vs Houston Christian HuskiesDec 30
- W91-60vs Long Beach State BeachDec 21
- W78-53vs Eastern Illinois PanthersDec 14
- W66-62vs Iowa HawkeyesDec 12
- W81-58at Purdue BoilermakersDec 6
UCF Knights
Last 10: 8-2Streak L182.5 scored · 73.2 allowed per game1-1 away
- L77-84vs Arizona WildcatsJan 17
- W82-73at Kansas State WildcatsJan 15
- W73-72vs Cincinnati BearcatsJan 11
- L76-87at Oklahoma State CowboysJan 7
- W81-75vs Kansas JayhawksJan 3
- W85-80vs Florida Atlantic OwlsDec 23
- W102-80vs Florida Gulf Coast EaglesDec 20
- W81-63vs Mercer BearsDec 18
- W86-61vs Towson TigersDec 7
- W82-57vs VMI KeydetsNov 29
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona | 36-3 | - | 16-2 |
| Houston | 30-7 | 2 | 14-4 |
| Iowa State | 29-8 | 4 | 12-6 |
| Kansas | 24-11 | 4 | 12-6 |
| Texas Tech | 23-11 | 4 | 12-6 |
| TCU | 23-12 | 5 | 11-7 |
| BYU | 23-12 | 7 | 9-9 |
| UCF | 21-12 | 7 | 9-9 |
| West Virginia | 21-14 | 7 | 9-9 |
| Cincinnati | 18-15 | 7 | 9-9 |
| Colorado | 17-16 | 9 | 7-11 |
| Arizona State | 17-16 | 9 | 7-11 |
| Oklahoma State | 20-15 | 10 | 6-12 |
| Baylor | 17-17 | 10 | 6-12 |
| Kansas State | 12-20 | 13 | 3-15 |
| Utah | 10-22 | 14 | 2-16 |
Box score
| Stat | UCF Knights | Iowa State Cyclones |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 21-57 | 33-65 |
| Field goal % | 37 | 51 |
| Three-pointers | 10-32 | 9-25 |
| Three-point % | 31 | 36 |
| Free throws | 5-6 | 12-21 |
| Free throw % | 83 | 57 |
| Rebounds | 32 | 38 |
| Offensive rebounds | 13 | 15 |
| Defensive rebounds | 19 | 23 |
| Assists | 13 | 22 |
| Steals | 1 | 13 |
| Blocks | 6 | 3 |
| Turnovers | 19 | 5 |
| Team turnovers | 2 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 5 | 31 |
| Fast-break points | 3 | 15 |
| Points in the paint | 18 | 42 |
| Fouls | 17 | 13 |
| Largest lead | 3 | 31 |
| Lead changes | 1 | 1 |
| Time in front | 3 | 96 |
How the scoring went
- 1st Half26-38Jamarion Batemon makes free throw 1 of 1
- 1st Half26-41Jamarion Batemon makes 24-foot three point jumper (Joshua Jefferson assists)
- 1st Half26-44Tamin Lipsey makes 23-foot three point jumper (Joshua Jefferson assists)
- 2nd Half29-44Devan Cambridge makes 23-foot three point jumper (Themus Fulks assists)
- 2nd Half29-47Joshua Jefferson makes 24-foot three point jumper (Tamin Lipsey assists)
- 2nd Half30-47Jordan Burks makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half31-47Jordan Burks makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half31-50Killyan Toure makes 24-foot three point jumper (Joshua Jefferson assists)
- 2nd Half33-50John Bol makes layup (Themus Fulks assists)
- 2nd Half33-51Dominykas Pleta makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half33-52Dominykas Pleta makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half35-52Themus Fulks makes driving layup
- 2nd Half35-55Milan Momcilovic makes 25-foot three point jumper (Joshua Jefferson assists)
- 2nd Half38-55Jordan Burks makes 26-foot three point jumper (Riley Kugel assists)
- 2nd Half39-55John Bol makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half40-55John Bol makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half40-56Blake Buchanan makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half40-57Blake Buchanan makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half40-58Joshua Jefferson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half43-58Jordan Burks makes 24-foot three point jumper (Chris Johnson assists)
- 2nd Half43-60Blake Buchanan makes layup (Killyan Toure assists)
- 2nd Half43-62Joshua Jefferson makes driving layup
- 2nd Half43-63Joshua Jefferson makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half43-66Milan Momcilovic makes 23-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half43-68Jamarion Batemon makes 1-foot dunk (Joshua Jefferson assists)
- 2nd Half46-68Jordan Burks makes 26-foot three point jumper (Themus Fulks assists)
- 2nd Half46-70Milan Momcilovic makes 11-foot jumper
- 2nd Half46-73Milan Momcilovic makes 27-foot three point jumper (Joshua Jefferson assists)
- 2nd Half48-73Riley Kugel makes driving layup
- 2nd Half48-75Milan Momcilovic makes 9-foot hook shot (Tamin Lipsey assists)
- 2nd Half50-75Themus Fulks makes 13-foot jumper
- 2nd Half50-77Blake Buchanan makes 3-foot dunk (Joshua Jefferson assists)
- 2nd Half53-77Carmelo Pacheco makes 24-foot three point jumper (Themus Fulks assists)
- 2nd Half53-79Joshua Jefferson makes layup
- 2nd Half53-81Jamarion Batemon makes driving layup
- 2nd Half53-83Killyan Toure makes driving layup
- 2nd Half56-83Carmelo Pacheco makes 24-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half56-85Killyan Toure makes layup (Cade Kelderman assists)
- 2nd Half56-87Dominykas Pleta makes layup
- 2nd Half57-87Kris Parker makes free throw 1 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Iowa State Cyclones, below favours UCF Knights.
Venue
- Hilton ColiseumAmes, IA
- Attendance14267
- OfficialsTony Padilla, Kipp Kissinger, Chris Pacsi
Elsewhere
- Carson Crawford, No. 46 in '27 class, commits to Arizona St.
- Tennessee's Ralph Scott to have knee surgery, out at least 6 months
- Men's NCAA basketball 2026-27 Way-Too-Early Top 25 rankings
- Transfers, recruits and roster moves for key men's NCAA basketball teams
- Michigan 5-star freshman Brandon McCoy Jr. (knee) to miss season
- With $6.5 million left on deal, UCLA fires AD Martin Jarmond