Cyclones vs Buckeyes West Region Spread/Handicapping
The Buckeyes were happy to let Iona set the pace and beat them at their own game, winning by 25 while scoring 95 points in their opener. Don’t let that number fool you as they are far from an elite offensive team.
NCAA Tourney – West Bracket
#2 Ohio State Buckeyes (27-7) vs #10 Iowa State Cyclones (23-11)
Sunday March 24
University of Dayton Arena – Dayton, OH
12:15PM
Moneyline: Ohio State -315, Iowa State +265 at JustBet.cx
Spread: Ohio State -7
O/U: 142
ATS Matchup Stats | Gambling Insight!
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Ohio State
Iowa State also prefers to play with flow but they have more size and skill.
Ohio State is probably best served with going back to the defensive style that earned them the Big Ten tournament championship.
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Ohio State was able to get the entire team into the game against Iona. Forward DeShaun Thomas led the way with 24 points but they got some unexpected secondary scoring from Sam Thompson.
Point guard Aaron Craft did not shoot the ball well against Iona and they are going to need him if they are going to go far in this tournament. I didn’t buy him as a scoring threat and I still don’t. Ohio State just doesn’t have enough reliable scoring to inspire confidence.
In my regional previews I said that Ohio State would be the first #2 seed to fall. It never occurred to me that Georgetown might lose their opening game but it has not changed my opinion on Ohio State.
This is an upset special for me with all of the value on the higher seeded Iowa State.
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Iowa State
I was bullish on Iowa State coming into the tournament and they didn’t let me down in their opener. They won by 18 against Notre Dame and if you saw the game you know they could have won by 10 more if they hadn’t missed so many gimmes.
I like the way they match up against Ohio State. This team is used to playing against teams that can really lock you up and finding a way to put the ball through the basket.
The Cyclones won with ease against Notre Dame without getting much from their leading scorer forward Will Clyburn. Instead the inside duo of Melvin Ejim and Georges Niang led the way with 36 combined points.
Point guard Korie Lucious, who started his career at Michigan State, will have to keep things organized with Craft all over him. If he can maintain his composure this game should come down to the final possessions.
The Cyclones did not disappoint in dominating ND. I don’t think they can do that against Ohio State but they can beat the Buckeyes.
They don’t have to play great just keep doing what they are doing, especially inside where they have a nice combination of talent and size that is very mobile.
Spread Pick: Iowa State +7
O/U Pick: Under
Score Prediction: Iowa State 72 – Ohio State 65
