Read on for Washington State vs. Iowa State NCAA Tournament odds, predictions and a betting preview for the second round.
Washington State vs Iowa State: NCAA Tournament Odds
| Washington State Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Point Spread | Over/Under | Moneyline |
+6.5 -110 | 127 -110 / -110 | +230 |
| Iowa State Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Point Spread | Over/Under | Moneyline |
-6.5 -110 | 127 -110 / -110 | -280 |
The Iowa State Cyclones dominated South Dakota State on Thursday, especially on offense.
The Cyclones' effort was encouraging, as they're generally more defense-oriented.
Iowa State now faces the Washington State Cougars, who are also coming off an impressive victory. The Cougs are similar to the Clones, as they're defense-first.
Washington State Cougars
Despite being the underdogs against Drake on Thursday, the Cougs proved the skeptics wrong by playing a solid game.
Many underestimate the Cougars, among the nation's best defensive teams. They rank in the top 25 in Adjusted Defensive Efficiency.
Additionally, they have a rebounding advantage over the Clones and should be able to capitalize on second-chance points.
Although the Clones have a strong defense, their mediocre offense is due for a regression. The Cougs may not win, but they have value in the market, and the rebounding battle could make all the difference.
Iowa State Cyclones
The buzz around the Clones is for real.
They dominated the Jackrabbits from tip to finish in the First Round.
Iowa State enters this matchup ranking in the top 50 in offensive and defensive efficiency. Of course, everybody knows how elite its defense is (second nationally in Adjusted Defensive Efficiency), but what makes it so tenacious is that it's aggressive and forces a ton of turnovers.
It'll be interesting to see how the Clones fare against the Cougs, who don't turn the ball over that often.
The lethal combination of Keshon Gilbert, Tamin Lipsey, and Milan Momcilovic gives the Cyclones the better offense in this matchup. However, I'm curious how they match up with Wazzu, an excellent defense that should dominate the boards.
Additionally, I think there's some shooting regression coming for Iowa State, which could make this game closer than the spread indicates.
Washington State vs. Iowa State
Betting Pick & Prediction
I think Wazzu is very live on Saturday.
The Cougars need their offense — led by the strong frontcourt of Andrej Jakimovski and Jaylen Wells — to step up against Iowa State's elite defense. That's a tough task, but Wazzu's defense can keep it close — the Cougars shut down Arizona's elite offense twice this year.
Additionally, I think the Cougs will dominate the boards.
Altogether, they have enough to cover the spread.
Pick: Washington State +6.5
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