Washington State (7) vs. Iowa State (2) Bracket Prediction: March Madness Odds
Iowa State opened as 6.5-point favourites to win on the college basketball odds, while the total for this East Region matchup is set at 128.5.
Washington State vs. Iowa State NCAA Tournament Point Spread and Betting
The winner of this game will face either No. 3 Illinois or No. 11 Duquesne in the Sweet 16. Washington State reached the Sweet 16 in their last tournament appearance in 2008, while Iowa State last punched their ticket to the third round in 2022.
The Cougars are 25-9 straight up this season. They’ve been an average cover option at 18-15-1 against the spread, including 4-3 ATS in neutral site games. Lower scoring games have been a trend as the total has gone Under in four of Washington State’s last five games overall .
The Cyclones are 28-7 SU on the year and have won eight of their last nine games. They’ve been great to bettors, going 24-10-1 ATS and covering in four of their last five games. Iowa State also trends toward lower scoring contests as the total has gone Under in seven of their last nine games.
Washington State Cougars (7)
Washington State survived a late scare in their 66-61 first round win over Drake on Thursday. The Cougars trailed by eight points with less than eight minutes remaining in the game before coming back and eventually taking the lead on a clutch three from Isaiah Watts. Isaac Jones led the team with 20 points and 11 rebounds. Jones is averaging team-highs in both points per game (15.5) and rebounds (7.5).
The main takeaway from the first game of the tournament is Washington State’s inability to shoot the ball outside of Jones and Jaylen Wells, who dropped 17 points and nine rebounds. It’s something the Cougars have struggled with all season as their offence ranks well outside of the top-100, averaging 74.1 ppg. Someone else needs to step up if this team wants to reach the Sweet 16.
Iowa State Cyclones (2)
Iowa State crushed South Dakota State 82-65 in the first round and never trailed in the game. The Cyclones shot 57.9 per cent from the field 47.8 per cent from three. Four different players scored double digit points, led by Milan Momcilovic, who had 19 points and five rebounds. Keshon Gilbert, who averages a team-high 13.8 ppg, finished with 15 points and five assists.
One season-long trend continued for Iowa State on Thursday as they only got to the line eight times. Contrast that with Washington State, who got to the line 22 times in their win against Drake. Some of that can come down to ISU’s elite shooting, but it’s been a constant theme to the season as the Cyclones are well outside of the top-100 in the nation when it comes to average free throw attempts per game. Getting to the line can make the difference between winning and losing, Washington State is proof of that.
WSU
ISU