College Basketball prediction, pick for Mississippi State vs. Iowa State on Monday 11/10/25

The college basketball season is off and running, and we’ve already had some terrific games in the books during the opening week. Monday’s slate features a big matchup between Mississippi State and Iowa State on a neutral floor at Sioux Falls, SD.

Here’s a college basketball pick for Monday’s game between Mississippi State and Iowa State.

Mississippi State vs. Iowa State (8:00 p.m. ET)

Both the Bulldogs and Cyclones got off on the right foot this season, with dominant wins over lesser competition. Iowa State blew out FDU and Grambling State, while Mississippi State handled North Alabama. The Cyclones tested themselves with a road scrimmage at Creighton before the regular season began, and while they lost, there were a lot of positive signs in the second half. Creighton jumped out to a huge lead at halftime, but ISU was able to lock in on defense in the second half and at least threaten in the game.

This will be both teams’ first real test of the regular season, and I’m expecting the Cyclones to thrive in this matchup. Iowa State has veteran guard play and some length on the perimeter and interior that could give the Bulldogs trouble. Tamin Lipsey is now in his fourth year as the starting point guard for the Cyclones, and keeps them organized on the offensive end. Josh Jefferson provides veteran size in the paint, while Milan Momcilovic has taken a huge leap in his third year starting for the program — knocking down 10 triples in two games.

Mississippi State has some solid role players, but will rely on Josh Hubbard’s scoring in order to stay in games. Hubbard, a volume shooter who averaged about 18 points during his first two seasons combined with the Bulldogs, went for 27 points in the season opener. If Iowa State can use its size and athleticism to give Hubbard a tough time as a scorer, it would give the Cyclones a huge leg up in this matchup.

I feel Iowa State has more ways to beat you, and the potential to at least limit Hubbard with a hounding defense. I’d lay the points with the Cyclones in this one.

College Basketball Pick: Iowa State -5.5 (-105)

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