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The Iowa State Cyclones (28-7) battle the Washington State Cougars (25-9) Saturday in the 2nd round of the NCAA Tournament from CHI Health Center Omaha. Tip is set for 6:10 p.m. ET (TNT). Below, we analyze FanDuel Sportsbook’s lines around the Washington State vs. Iowa State odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and best bets.
Washington State earned the No. 7 seed in the East Region after a 23-8 regular season. It was 16-15 against the spread (ATS) during its 31 regular-season games. In the postseason, the Cougars beat the 10th-seeded Drake Bulldogs 66-61 Thursday, covering as 1-point underdogs. They have covered in 2 of 3 postseason games, but failed to advance to the final in the Pac-12 Tournament after a 58-52 loss to the Colorado Buffaloes March 15.
Iowa State is No. 4 in the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll. The 2nd-seeded Cyclones throttled the South Dakota State Jackrabbits 82-65 Thursday, covering as 15.5-point favorites. Iowa State has covered in 4 straight games and won the Big 12 Tournament last Saturday with a 69-41 victory over the Houston Cougars, who were ranked No. 1 in the nation at the time. Iowa State has covered 6 of its last 8 and is 19-10-2 ATS during the regular season.
Washington 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 Friday at 10:40 p.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Washington State +245 (bet $100 to win $245) | Iowa State -310 (bet $310 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Washington State +6.5 (-102) | Iowa State -6.5 (-120)
- Over/Under (O/U): 128.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)
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Washington State vs. Iowa State picks and predictions
Prediction
Iowa State 70, Washington State 60
Moneyline
PASS.
Iowa State (-310) is the superior side and should come out on top; however, it isn’t worth backing at this price.
Against the spread
BET IOWA STATE -6.5 (-120).
The Cyclones have been on a tear, and their defense has consistently been 1 of the best in the country. Over the last 4 games, they have allowed 65 or fewer in all 4, including 41 to a No. 1 seed (Houston) and 62 to a No. 3 seed (Baylor).
Iowa State is 11-3-1 ATS in its last 15 games. It has been surging at the right time, while Washington State has failed to cover in 4 of its last 7 games. It has scored sub-70 points in 4 of its last 7 as well.
It won’t be able to keep pace, and considering recent trends, back IOWA STATE -6.5 (-120).
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Over/Under
LEAN OVER 128.5 (-115).
This total is just too low. The Cougars are 2-2-1 O/U in their last 5 but have scored at least 75 points in 3 games during that span and allowed at least 72 twice. The Cyclones are 2-2 O/U in their postseason run, scoring at least 76 in 3 of the 4 games.
The Cougars are facing a stout defense, but their top 3 scorers all shot over 43% during the regular season, and their top option F Isaac Jones shot 55.9%. Their efficiency should help produce some scoring on a tough Iowa State defense.
That said, back OVER 128.5 (-115).
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