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by Dan Angell in NCAA Basketball Picks
The Washington State Cougars (25-9 SU, 18-16 ATS) attempt to make just their second appearance in the Sweet 16 as they face a second-round game against the Iowa State Cyclones (28-7 SU, 23-10-2 ATS). Both teams are routinely overlooked nationally, yet both have had outstanding seasons by relying on their defense.
Washington State appears to be where Iowa State was last season, as the Cougars are mostly defense-heavy and sometimes struggle to score. The Cougars tend to be at their best when they can force teams out of their comfort zone, as they showed in twice besting Arizona. But they haven’t seen a defense like Iowa State’s, which seems to be clicking on all cylinders. The Cyclones romped through the Big 12 tournament and excel at making life miserable for their opponents.
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Wash. St. vs Iowa St. Form
Wash. St. and Iowa St. Latest Matches
1/1 (100%)
0/1 (0%)
Mar 21, 2024 - NCAA Basketball
1/1 (100%)
0/1 (0%)
Mar 21, 2024 - NCAA Basketball
Wash. St. - Iowa St. Key Points
- Iowa State has covered all four of its postseason games.
- Washington State has gone 3-4 ATS in its past seven games.
- The under is 7-2 in Iowa State’s past nine games.
- The under is 6-2-1 in the Cougars’ past nine games.
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Our Wash. St. vs Iowa St. Prediction
Washington State has been one of the best stories of the season, but Iowa State seems to be playing its best basketball of the season. The Cyclones’ defense went to another level in the Big 12 tournament and has held nine straight opponents to 65 points or less.
With Washington State having no real way to generate easy baskets and Iowa State likely to bring the pressure from the opening minute, the Cougars will likely struggle to score in a big way. Iowa State’s one real defensive weakness is its low-post defense, but that requires the Cougar guards to get the ball to Isaac Jones and get past the Iowa State tandem of Keshon Gilbert and Tamin Lipsey. Washington State’s guards don’t appear good enough to do that, so our prediction is Washington State team total Under 61.5.
All tips are fully researched and given in good faith, but profits cannot be guaranteed.
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