Iowa State vs Pittsburgh Prediction March Madness Picks

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Odds

2022-2023 season stats

Preview

The NCAA Tournament is in full swing, and on Friday, March 18th, the Pittsburgh Panthers and the Iowa State Cyclones will face off in a highly anticipated game. Both teams will be looking to advance to the next round and keep their March Madness hopes alive. In this article, we will provide an extended preview of both teams, analyzing their strengths, weaknesses, and their chances of winning the game.

Pittsburgh Panthers

The Pittsburgh Panthers come into Friday's game with 23 wins on the season and are coming off a close one-point victory over Mississippi State in the First Four-game on Tuesday night. Offensively, Pittsburgh did just enough to secure the win, making 38.9% of their shots. However, the Panthers knocked down nine long balls and nine free throws to secure the narrow victory. Defensively, Pittsburgh was fantastic, allowing only 59 points on 38.1% shooting, and they forced 14 turnovers to get the win despite being outrebounded by 21 in the game.

Offensively, Pittsburgh has a balanced scoring attack, with multiple players who can step up and score when needed. Nelly Cummings led the offensive show for Pittsburgh against Mississippi State with 15 points and four assists on 13 shots in the game. Greg Elliott added 13 points, and Blake Hinson chipped in 12 points on nine shots as the third Pittsburgh starter in double figures. Nike Sibande picked up the slack off the Pittsburgh bench with 11 points and five rebounds on nine shots to lead the way for the Pittsburgh reserves.

Defensively, Pittsburgh has been solid this season, and they should be able to slow down Iowa State's offense. The Panthers are disciplined and don't commit many fouls, which could be crucial in a close game. Pittsburgh has been in excellent form lately, winning ten of their last fourteen games, and they will be looking to continue their good form in the tournament.

Iowa State Cyclones

The Iowa State Cyclones come into the tournament as a sixth seed with nineteen wins on the year following a 13 point loss to Kansas to end their season. Offensively, Iowa State struggled against Kansas, making only 40% of their shots in an abysmal 69.2% from the free throw line, while turning the ball over 22 times in the double-digit loss. Defensively, Iowa State was outmatched as well, as Kansas scored 71 points on 52.3% shooting, and the Jayhawks made 19 free throws in 40 minutes as well.

Offensively, Iowa State has struggled this season, and they may struggle to keep up with Pittsburgh's scoring. Jaren Holmes leads the Iowa State offense this season, averaging 13.4 points per game on 39.1% shooting from the floor. Gabe Kalscheur is second on the team in scoring with 12.9 points, as the only other Iowa State player in double figures, and big man Osun Osunniyi leads Iowa State, averaging 4 rebounds per game to go along with 8.5 points as well. Tamin Lipsey chips in with 7.4 points to go along with a team-leading 4.5 assists per game.

Defensively, Iowa State has been solid this season, ranking 94th in the nation in points allowed per game. They will need to step up their defensive efforts if they want to have a chance against Pittsburgh's well-balanced offense. Iowa State has lost their last two games, and they will need to bounce back quickly if they want to avoid an early exit from the tournament.

BETTING TRENDS

Pittsburgh are 9-4 ATS in their last 13 games.

The total has gone OVER in 6 of Pittsburgh's last 8 games.

Pittsburgh are 10-4 SU in their last 14 games.

Pittsburgh are 1-6 SU in their last 7 games against an opponent in the Big 12 conference.

Pittsburgh are 2-8 SU in their last 10 games played in March.

Iowa State are 4-11 ATS in their last 15 games.

The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Iowa State's last 9 games.

Iowa State are 2-5 SU in their last 7 games.

Iowa State are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games against an opponent in the Atlantic Coast conference.

Prediction

While Pittsburgh has a more experienced team, a balanced scoring attack, and a solid defense, we predict that Iowa State will come out on top and cover the -3.5 points spread. Despite their offensive struggles this season, Iowa State has a talented group of players that can score, and they have a more talented and athletic squad than their record suggests.

Iowa State's Osun Osunniyi has been the most consistent player for the Cyclones this season, and he should have a big game against Pittsburgh. Osunniyi leads the Cyclones in scoring with 8.5 points per game and rebounds with 8.3 per game. He is a physical and athletic big man that can defend, rebound and score from the post. He has also recorded 2.3 blocks per game, which ranks him 13th in the nation.

Iowa State's guards, Jalen Coleman-Lands and Tamin Lipsey, have also been critical for the Cyclones this season. Coleman-Lands, who transferred from DePaul, has emerged as one of the best three-point shooters in the nation, making 43.4% of his attempts from behind the arc. He is averaging 9.9 points per game, and he will be a vital player for Iowa State if they want to win. Lipsey, on the other hand, is a talented freshman who has impressed with his playmaking abilities. He is averaging 4.5 assists per game, and he is also a threat from behind the arc, making 34.7% of his attempts.

In terms of defense, Iowa State has a solid squad that can make life difficult for Pittsburgh's offense. The Cyclones are allowing 65.3 points per game, and they rank 94th in the nation in points allowed per game. They will need to step up their defensive efforts against Pittsburgh's well-balanced offense, but with players like Osunniyi and Jalen Coleman-Lands leading the charge, they have the potential to do just that.

In conclusion, while Pittsburgh is a solid team with a balanced scoring attack and a disciplined defense, we believe that Iowa State has the talent and athleticism to win this game and cover the -3.5 points spread. Iowa State's Osun Osunniyi is a dominant big man that can control the paint, and their guards, Jalen Coleman-Lands and Tamin Lipsey, are talented playmakers that can score and set up their teammates. Defensively, Iowa State has a solid squad that can make life difficult for Pittsburgh's offense, and they will be looking to shut them down on Friday. 

PICK: Iowa State -3.5 (-110)

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