Washington State vs. Iowa State Prediction: Can Cougars Shut Down Tamin Lipsey, Cyclones in Round of 32?
The Iowa State Cyclones will try to grind it out against the Washington State Cougars in the Round of 32 with a berth to the Sweet 16 on the line. Can the Cougars defense stifle Tamin Lipsey and the Cyclones on Saturday night? Ben Rajavuori provides his best bet in Washington State vs. Iowa State.
Ben Rajavuori - March 23, 2024, 3:30 PM EDT
5 minWashington State vs. Iowa State Prediction: Can Cougars Shut Down Tamin Lipsey, Cyclones in Round of 32?
The Washington State Cougars face the Iowa State Cyclones in the second round of the NCAA tournament today. Washington State got past Drake in the first round in the east region, while Iowa State routed South Dakota State to get here. The winner will move on to the Sweet 16 to face the winner of Illinois and Duquesne. Iowa State is a 6.5-point favorite in this game today. What should we expect in this matchup?
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Washington State vs. Iowa State DATE, TIME, AND WHERE TO WATCH
- Date: Saturday, March 23, 2024
- Start Time: 6:10 p.m. ET
- Where to Watch: TNT
Washington State vs. Iowa State ODDS
- Spread: Washington State +6.5 (-105), Iowa State -6.5 (-110)
- Total Odds: O 128.5 (-106), U 128.5 (-108)
- Moneyline Odds: Washington State (+225), Iowa State (-270)
Washington State vs. Iowa State Prediction
Iowa State got past their recent tournament woes in the first round, scoring 82 points on South Dakota State in the Round of 64. They were able to erase their sour memory from last year, when they put up just 41 points in the first round against Pittsburgh, exiting in the first round. While their offense appears to be a bit better this year, they face a stiff test against a very tall and athletic Washington State defense. The Washington State Cougars are well-coached and play disciplined basketball, ranking 23rd in the nation in defensive efficiency. While they play tight defense, they also control the pace of the game, as they rank 313th in adjusted tempo. Washington State has lots of height on their team, and they use it to their advantage on defense. They rank 38th in block percentage on defense in the country, and also are an excellent rebounding team. Four of the five starters for Washington State are 6‘8“ or taller. I expect Washington State's length to disrupt Iowa State today and limit the Cyclones offensively. We have seen Iowa State go through offensive lulls these past few seasons in most games, while their defense remains strong. Iowa State's defense ranks second in defense efficiency per KenPom, and they are 298th in defensive possession length. They make opponents drain the shot clock, and usually force bad looks. Iowa State forces opponents to shoot contested threes, while Washington State scores mostly inside because of their length, and does not shoot well on the perimeter. This conflict should lead to a lower-scoring game for Washington State as well. With the Cougars playing excellent defense and playing at a slow tempo, Iowa State will be more than happy to play that defensive battle with them, as they are one of the best defenses in the country. I think the result will be a very slow-paced game, with each possession running down into the last few seconds of the shot clock. Washington State went 14-17–2 to the over this year, while Iowa State went 16–18 to the over. In a tournament setting, and now being in the second round, I expect this game to end in the low 120s. With the total sitting just under 130 points, I love this game to stay under.
Pick: Iowa State/Washington State Under 129 (-110) Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds
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