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The Iowa State Cyclones (27-7) battle the South Dakota State Jackrabbits (22-12) in the 1st round of the East Region Thursday from CHI Health Center Omaha. Tip is set for 7:35 p.m. ET (truTV). Below, we analyze FanDuel Sportsbook’s lines around the South Dakota State vs. Iowa State odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and best bets.
Iowa State is No. 4 in the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll. It earned the No. 2 seed in the region after throttling No. 2 Houston 69-41 in the Big 12 Championship despite closing as 5.5-point underdogs. The Cyclones won and covered in all 3 conference tournament games and ended the season 19-10-2 against the spread (ATS). They are 10-3-1 ATS in their last 14 games.
South Dakota State was awarded the 15th seed after beating the Denver Pioneers 76-68 in the Summit Conference final. The Jackrabbits are the only representatives from the Summit and covered in 2 of their 3 tournament wins. They finished the regular season 15-13 ATS. The Jackrabbits are led by G Zeke Mayo, who finished the regular season averaging 19.3 points per game.
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South Dakota State vs. Iowa State odds
Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Wednesday at 6:12 p.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): South Dakota State +1000 (bet $100 to win $1,000) | Iowa State -2100 (bet $2,100 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): South Dakota State +15.5 (-110) | Iowa State -15.5 (-110)
- Over/Under (O/U): 134.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)
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South Dakota State vs. Iowa State picks and predictions
Prediction
Iowa State 74, South Dakota State 56
Moneyline
PASS.
While the South Dakota State moneyline is juicy, there’s nothing to see here as the Cyclones are red hot and one of the best teams in the country. Do not expect an upset here.
Against the spread
BET IOWA STATE -15.5 (-110).
The Jackrabbits have played 2 Power 5 opponents this season. They lost to UCF 83-80 and Kansas State 91-68. If the Wildcats can win by 23, the Cyclones, who Kenpom says have the best defense in the nation, should be able to significantly limit South Dakota State.
Iowa State also had a top-60 offensive rating while South Dakota sits outside the top 130 in both offensive and defensive rating. The Cylcones have been a covering machine as of late and are 8-3-1 ATS this season as a double-digit favorite.
Considering those trends, take IOWA STATE -15.5 (-110).
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Over/Under
LEAN UNDER 134.5 (-105).
Neither of these teams is going to want to push the pace. Both sit outside the top 145 in adjusted tempo per Kenpom, so shots will be limited. With Iowa State having the best defense in the NCAA (61.4 points allowed per game), there’s a good chance it will heavily limit the Jackrabbits efficiency.
Iowa State has gone Under in 2 of its last 3 and in 7 of its last 8 games. The Jackrabbits have gone Under in 5 straight. Considering those trends, back UNDER 134.5 (-105).
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