NCAAB: #7 Washington State vs #2 Iowa State Odds, and Picks (Mar 23)

• Washington State came from behind late to defeat Drake, winning by a score of 66-61.
• Iowa State held off a very scrappy South Dakota State team, winning 82-65 to advance.
• This will be the very first meeting between these two teams in their program histories.

The NCAA Tournament is in full swing! Let’s take a look at this matchup between the Washington State Cougars and the Iowa State Cyclones. The Cougars are aiming to keep their incredible season going, but face a borderline 1-seed in Iowa State.

How to Watch

• TNT

Preview

Washington State trailed Drake for much of their 1st-round matchup, but never allowed the score to get out of hand. That gave them the ability to make a run late in the second half, eventually pulling ahead to win it. The Cougars were the beneficiaries of Drake’s abysmal free throw shooting, and will need to find a second gear on offense to have a chance at toppling Iowa State in this game. Idaho transfer Issac Jones continues to have a major impact for the Cougs, posting another double-double in the win.

Iowa State went back-and-forth with South Dakota State for a good portion of their game on Thursday, before pulling away late in the matchup. They ultimately went on to win by 17 points, picking up some momentum as they head into their second game of the tournament. The Cyclones will continue to rely on Sophomore G Tamin Lipsey, who tallied 17 points and 7 assists in the win over the Jackrabbits. Iowa State is seeking their first Elite 8 appearance since 2000.

Prediction

This should be an excellent matchup between two teams that may have been deserving of higher seeds. Washington State may lack tournament experience, but they make up for it with excellent coaching and an impactful rotation. That being said, their offense isn’t all that impressive, and faces a brutal task against a stifling Cyclones defense. I see them keeping it close early, but eventually coming up short against a more well-rounded Iowa State team.

NCAAB Picks:

• Iowa State 74, Washington State 65 (ISU -6.5)