Quick Picks with Coach Rick Bowe, CBB Picks, CBB Free Picks, CBB Predictions 2/21/26

Quick Picks with Coach Rick Bowe, CBB Picks, CBB Free Picks, CBB Predictions 2/21/26

IOWA STATE @ BYU (ISU -3.5, 155.5)

CBB ODDS, CBB PREDICTIONS, CBB PREVIEWS

COACH RICK CBB PREVIEWS

CYCLONES @ COUGARS 2/21/26

Tonight, the Marriott Center in Provo will be the epicenter of the Big 12 as the No. 6 Iowa State Cyclones (23-3, 11-2 Big 12) take on the No. 23 BYU Cougars (19-7, 7-6 Big 12). This is a classic clash of identities matchup. Iowa State’s elite, turnover-forcing defense against BYU’s high-octane, perimeter-oriented offense.

The Cyclones enter this game on a massive high after fending off No. 2 Houston 70-67 on Monday. Meanwhile, BYU is looking to stabilize after a 75-68 road loss to Arizona. A critical factor in this game is the health of BYU’s roster. The Cougars are adjusting to life without star forward Richie Saunders, who recently suffered a season-ending ACL injury.

The Marriott Center is one of the most difficult environments in the country. BYU averages 90 points per game at home and shoots significantly better in Provo (38.2% from three-point range) compared to road/neutral sites (33%).

While the Cyclones are dominant in Ames, they have shown vulnerability on the road in Big 12 play, going just 3-3 straight up and against the spread. Their scoring average drops from 87.0 PPG at home to 79.1 PPG on the road. The Cyclones road wins are against the bottom of the barrel in the Big 12 - Kansas State, Oklahoma State, and Baylor.

Iowa State is coming off an emotional, high-stakes win over Houston. Historically, teams in this position often struggle to maintain that same intensity in their next road game, especially against a ranked opponent in a hostile environment.

Despite the loss of Saunders, BYU still features AJ Dybantsa, who is coming off a 35-point performance against Arizona. BYU’s ability to space the floor and hit three-pointers (ranked 50th nationally at 36.6%) can neutralize Iowa State’s aggressive "No-Middle" defense if they can move the ball effectively.

BYU’s Offensive Pace: BYU plays at a top-50 pace nationally (71.0 Adjusted Tempo). At home, they look to push the ball even more. Even against elite defenses, BYU’s volume of three-point attempts (41.2% 3PT Rate) tends to drive scores higher.

The Cyclones are not just a defensive team; they rank 18th in Adjusted Offensive Efficiency (123.3). They are elite at shooting the three (40.3%, 3rd in the nation) and should find plenty of open looks against a BYU defense that ranks 209th in points allowed per game (74.5).

Iowa State forces turnovers on 23.9% of defensive possessions (3rd nationally). These turnovers often lead to quick transition points, which adds to the point total. Conversely, BYU’s Robert Wright III is an elite playmaker who can navigate pressure to find open shooters in transition.

Iowa State has scored 70 or more points in each of its last eight victories. BYU has the offensive firepower to match that, especially with Dybantsa playing at a National Player of the Year level. BYU needs this win to secure a top-4 seed and a double-bye in the Big 12 tournament. With their backs against the wall after the Saunders injury and the Arizona loss, expect a "max effort" game from the Cougars.

BYU’s AJ Dybantsa (6'9") and Keba Keita (6'8") provide a level of length that can bother Iowa State’s perimeter-centric scorers. Dybantsa’s ability to create his own shot late in the clock is a vital asset against Iowa State’s stifling defensive rotations.

BYU is a solid free-throw shooting team at 74.5% (99th nationally). In a close game that likely comes down to the final minute, BYU’s ability to convert at the line—contrasted with Iowa State’s recent 50% performance (11-of-22) against Houston—could be the deciding factor.

Wright leads a BYU offense that ranks 19th in two-point percentage (59.8%). If Wright can limit his turnovers against the Cyclones' pressure, BYU’s efficiency inside the arc will be too much for Iowa State to overcome on the road.

Get free CBB Picks and CBB Predictions for the top games on the weekly 2026 CBB schedule from the YLose.com  crew, one of the industry's largest networks of premier expert CBB handicappers. YLose.com has been bringing the CBB betting community the best CBB free picks and predictions for nearly three decades. Visit daily for the best CBB moneyline and point spread odds and game totals.

FREE PICK: BYU +3.5

This simply comes down to Iowa State playing on the road. The Cyclones are not a good road team. They have three losses this season. All of them came in Big 12 play and all three were on the road. Plus, BYU won’t back down, even without Richie Saunders. The Cougars have been here before. Last year at home against ISU, BYU was a 9-point underdog. The Cougars won 88-85. In the Big 12 tournament last year, Iowa State was a 2.5-point favorite against BYU. Cougars 96, Cyclones 92. BYU has the perimeter play to counter ISU’s defense. It’s a tough place to play for the Cyclones. BYU is 10-2 at home this season and they can keep this one close if they don’t win it outright.

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