The 2025 Players Era Festival concludes for both programs as the Syracuse Orange take on the undefeated No. 15 Iowa State Cyclones in a high-profile non-conference showdown.
For the Orange, it’s been a battle-tested week. Losses to Houston and Kansas exposed issues at the line and in rebounding, while Iowa State arrives after dispatching St. John’s and Creighton, narrowly missing out on the championship due to tiebreakers. Despite the stakes, head coach T.J. Otzelberger has emphasized culture over NIL dollars, saying:
“The relationship and the character of our program is more important… We’re here to win games and get better as a team.”
Both squads will look to leave Las Vegas with momentum — for Syracuse, it’s redemption. For Iowa State, it’s perfection.
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📺 Where to Watch Iowa State vs. Syracuse? (November 26)
| Game | Syracuse vs Iowa State |
| Date | Wednesday, November 26, 2025 |
| Time | 1:00 PM EST |
| Location | MGM Grand Garden Arena, Las Vegas, NV |
| TV Channel | TNT |
| Live Stream (National) | FuboTV, Sling TV |
| Streaming (Regional Restrictions) | ESPN App, TNT App |
📊 Betting Odds Table
| Market | Iowa State Cyclones | Syracuse Orange |
| Moneyline | -370 | +285 |
| Spread | -8.5 (-110) | +8.5 (-110) |
| Team Total Points | Over 79.5 (-115) | Under 71.5 (-105) |
| 1H Spread | -4.5 (-110) | +4.5 (-110) |
| Over/Under (Full) | 151 (-110) | |
| Over/Under (1H) | 71.5 (-110) |
📍 Odds via BetMGM & FanDuel Sportsbook as of Nov. 26, 2025. Lines subject to change.
🧠 Key Stats Comparison
| Stat Category | Syracuse Orange | Iowa State Cyclones |
| Record | 4-2 | 6-0 |
| Points Per Game | 76.7 (257th) | 90.5 (116th) |
| FG % | 47.2% (118th) | 51.7% (19th) |
| 3PT % | 29.5% (308th) | 36.5% (90th) |
| FT % | 56.2% (365th) | 68.9% (246th) |
| Rebounds/Game | 33.5 (203rd) | 33.7 (191st) |
🔍 Syracuse is struggling mightily at the free-throw line and from deep — an issue that’s cost them winnable games. Meanwhile, Iowa State ranks in the national top 20 in field goal percentage and has been dominant in their scoring margin.
💫 Players to Watch
Syracuse Orange
- Donnie Freeman (OUT): Averaged 17.8 PPG before foot injury.
- Tyler Betsey: Four 3PM vs Kansas, provides perimeter spark.
- Naithan George: Solid PG play with 5.5 APG.
- William Kyle III: Double-double vs Houston (12 PTS, 10 REB).
Iowa State Cyclones
- Tamin Lipsey (Questionable): 18.4 PPG, 5.2 APG – key two-way threat.
- Joshua Jefferson: 18.3 PPG and 10 boards vs Creighton.
- Killyan Toure: Breakout 20-point effort last game.
- Nate Heise: Veteran stepped up in Lipsey’s absence with 6 AST, 3 STL.
💸 Betting Insights
- ATS Trends:
- Iowa State is 6-0 overall this season and continues to cover.
- Syracuse is 0-2 in Vegas and struggling to hit key shots late.
- Total Trends:
- Syracuse games are trending UNDER due to poor FT shooting.
- Iowa State has hit the OVER in 4 of 6 thanks to their elite scoring.
- Line Movement:
- Opened at -7.5 for Iowa State, moved to -8.5 due to uncertainty around Lipsey’s status.
🎯 Best Bets & Props
✅ Iowa State -8.5 — Even if Lipsey sits, their depth and scoring edge are significant.
✅ Under 151 Total Points — Syracuse can’t convert free throws or threes reliably.
✅ Joshua Jefferson Over 15.5 Points — He’s taken over offensively and should feast on the glass again.
💵 Parlay Slip Suggestion
3-Leg CBB Parlay:
- Iowa State ML (-370)
- Under 151 Total (-110)
- Jefferson Over 15.5 PTS (-115)
🧾 Odds: +412
💰 $25 Wins: $128.00
🔚 Final Score Prediction
The Cyclones are simply the more polished team at this stage. Even if Lipsey sits, their rebounding edge and superior efficiency should carry the day. Syracuse can hang early, but late-game woes resurface.
📈 Prediction: Iowa State 82, Syracuse 70
Pick: Iowa State -8.5 | Lean: Under 151