The Iowa State men's basketball team enters the highly anticipated annual Cy-Hawk Series with an undeniable sense of momentum and a prestigious ranking by their side. Their third-place standing in the rankings (7-1) has them primed for a showdown as they head to Iowa City to take on their long-time rival, Iowa (7-2), on Thursday evening. The tip-off is set for 6:30 p.m., and the game will be aired live on FS1, bringing the excitement directly to fans' screens.

Offense on Fire

Since returning from Maui, where they suffered their only defeat of the season, the Cyclones have been on a roll. They have knocked off Marquette and dominated Jackson State, showcasing their offensive prowess. Under the leadership of TJ Otzelberger, the defense continues to hold teams to just under 65 points per game, while the offense has stepped up its game, averaging almost 88 points per contest. Against Jackson State over the week, the Cyclones hit the century mark and are shooting an impressive 51 percent from the field. This offensive explosion has been a key factor in their recent success.

Defense: A Steadfast Force

The Iowa State defense remains a force to be reckoned with. Their ability to limit opponents to low scores is a testament to their discipline and teamwork. By holding teams to just under 65 points on average, they create opportunities for their offense to shine. This defensive tenacity has been a cornerstone of their success throughout the season and will be crucial as they face off against Iowa.

Rivalry History and Dynamics

This age-old rivalry between Iowa State and Iowa has produced some memorable classics in the past. However, in recent years, the games have not been as closely contested. The closest game since 2017 saw Iowa State emerge victorious with a 90-65 score. Overall, Iowa holds the lead in the series, 48-29, adding an extra layer of intensity to each matchup. The Hawkeyes have had their moments, scoring 110 against South Carolina Upstate and topping Northwestern, 80-79, but they also suffered defeats to Michigan and Utah State. As the two teams prepare to face off, the rivalry is sure to heat up once again.

Betting Odds and Predictions

Betting odds for this matchup are not available at the moment, but our prediction is that Iowa State will come out on top with a score of 92-84. The Cyclones' recent form and offensive firepower give them the edge, but Iowa will not be an easy opponent. Both teams will be looking to make a statement and claim victory in this highly anticipated Cy-Hawk Series game.

Live Updates and Highlights

Follow all the action of Iowa State's contest against Iowa on Thursday, Dec. 12, on Iowa State on SI. Get live updates, in-game analysis, and big-play highlights throughout the matchup. It's going to be a thrilling battle, and fans won't want to miss a moment.* Iowa State women's dominant home performance.* Discovering Iowa State's bowl game destination.* Iowa State men's remarkable achievement of hitting the century mark in a win.* Unveiling the College Football Playoff rankings.