Grambling vs. Iowa State Picks and Prediction for Thursday, November 6, 2025

By: Jake Allman Published 11/06/2025, 12:40 AM ET

Iowa State returns to Hilton Coliseum on Thursday night looking to keep its early success when it hosts Grambling. The Cyclones enter 1-0 after a dominant 88-50 win over Fairleigh Dickinson behind Milan Momcilovic’s 29 points on 68.8% shooting. Grambling is also 1-0, opening its season with a 91-47 home victory against Huston-Tillotson, highlighted by Jalen Lane’s 15 points and a 46.3% team shooting mark. Tip-off in Ames will be at 8:00 PM ET on ESPN+. Big board, bigger value — see our winning college basketball predictions.

Grambling Preview

Grambling heads into this matchup with momentum after a wire-to-wire win that showcased balance on offense and defensive intensity. The Tigers shot nearly 50% from the floor while forcing 18 turnovers and blocking 10 shots. Lane’s effectiveness inside gave Grambling an early offensive go-to player, while ball movement led to 14 assists. Grambling averaged 66.8 points per game last season and struggled on the road with a 4-12 record, but this year’s opener hinted at improved tempo. The challenge on Thursday will be sustaining that against a Power Six team that rarely allows clean looks at home.

Iowa State Preview

Iowa State, ranked No. 16 nationally, wasted no time setting the tone this season. The Cyclones hit 52.2% of their shots and dished out 19 assists in the opener, showing continuity in both pace and spacing. Momcilovic’s 29-point effort demonstrated how dangerous Iowa State can be when its inside-out game is clicking. Last year, the Cyclones went 25-10 overall and 15-2 at Hilton Coliseum, averaging just over 80 points while limiting opponents to 68 per game. They dominated Fairleigh Dickinson with superior size and ball pressure, forcing 18 turnovers and holding their opponent to 35% shooting. That same intensity should pose major problems for Grambling’s backcourt.

Grambling vs Iowa State Prediction

This game will be another showcase for Iowa State’s talent and superior athleticism. Grambling has the quickness to compete early, but the Cyclones’ ball pressure and shooting will wear down the Tigers over 40 minutes. Expect Iowa State to control the boards, convert in transition, and build a big double-digit lead by halftime.

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Prediction: Iowa State 89, Grambling 56

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