The Cyclones (28-7) are getting some buzz as a potential National Champion, but they best not overlook their round of 32 opponent in Saturday night’s Washington State vs Iowa State matchup. ISU definitely has momentum though, winning 8 of their last 9.
Washington State (25-9) hasn’t shown the consistency that Iowa State did down the stretch, but they did have a win on the road at then #4 Arizona last month so this is not a team to take lightly. The Cyclones are -6.5 favorites for this meeting with 64% of the betting public liking the #2 seed.
Why Washington State Has Value at +6.5
The fact that the Cougars beat Arizona – who also earned a #2 seed – on the road at the end of February shows that this is squad that can play with anybody. WSU did go just 2-2 to close out the regular season and lost to Colorado – another tournament team – in the Pac 12 Tournament so their issue Saturday night is going to be consistency.
Jaylen Wells had 27 points to lead the win over Arizona last month, and he went for 17 points with 9 rebounds to help key the 66-61 win over Drake in the tournament opener. Isaac Jones had 20 points and 11 rebounds in the round of 64 which was a better win for WSU than it looks like on paper considering they were +1 point underdogs.
Washington State has tightened up their defense lately, holding three postseason opponents to 62 points or less. They are 23rd in defensive efficiency in the KenPom rankings and since Iowa State ranks 2nd in that metric it’s obvious that the fewer points scored in this game, the easier it will be for the Cougs’ to keep the final tally within 6 points.
Why Iowa State Has Value at -6.5
There might not be a hotter team in the nation right now than Iowa State, and that’s not hyperbole. The Cyclones annihilated then #1 Houston 69-41 last weekend to win the Big 12 Tournament and continued that run with an 82-65 dismantling of South Dakota State on Thursday in the round of 64 which covered the -15.5 point spread.
The way that Iowa State beat up on Houston last weekend turned a lot of people’s heads. The Cougars shot just 27% from the floor and 4-22 from three and they were the #16 ranked offensive efficiency team in the nation – Washington State ranks 68th in that category. The Cyclones allow just 62.1 ppg on the season, which is the 5th best mark in the country.
While holding Houston to 41 points in the Big 12 Championship Game is impressive, so is scoring 69 points against the #1 defensive efficiency squad. ISU hit 50% of their shots and have now scored 76+ points in three of their last four. That type of offensive production to go along with an absolutely smothering defense could be a recipe for a National Championship, but first a big win in the Washington State vs Iowa State matchup.
Free Washington State vs ISU Betting Pick
Saturday afternoon’s game is being played in Omaha, Nebraska – a much easier visit from Ames, Iowa compared to the Pacific Northwest. As if the Cyclones defense and a neutral site aren’t making things hard enough on Washington State, they’ll also have a raucous crowd to contend with as well. This is a statement game for Iowa State as they head into next weekend.
Free Pick: Iowa State -6.5
