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The Iowa State Cyclones are set to face the Miami Hurricanes. Check out our March Madness odds series, which includes our Iowa State Miami prediction, odds, and pick.
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The Iowa State Cyclones won only two games last season. Their March Madness odds were off the radar screen. Coach Steve Prohm was dismissed, and T.J. Otzelberger was hired. It was the start of a new era, and while there was some optimism, few people expected such a dramatic transformation in the course of one season. It seemed a lot more reasonable to think that the Cyclones could become an NCAA Tournament program again in two or three years. Nope: Otzelberger was able to turn this ship around in one year, something to keep in mind when making an Iowa State Miami prediction.
Iowa State did not lose a game in nonconference play. The Cyclones struggled in the Big 12, but their non-con body of work was so strong that they were able to get into the field of 68 with a losing record in Big 12 play. Iowa State's two wins in the NCAA Tournament mean this team still has not lost a single game outside the Big 12 Conference. That's remarkable, given the depths to which the program sank a year ago under the previous coaching staff.
Iowa State has won with defense all season long. The Cyclones held LSU under 55 points and Wisconsin under 50 in two NCAA Tournament wins.
When you think about an Iowa State Miami pick, you know ISU wants to play this game in the 50s. Miami wants to play this game in the 70s or higher. Here's a fun fact about the Hurricanes in 2022: When they score at least 65 points, they have lost only four times all season long. When they score, they win. Iowa State wants to slow this game down, while Miami wants to speed this game up. It's a clear contrast of styles in Chicago, where the winner of this game will play in the Midwest Regional final on Sunday. A double-digit seed will play in the Elite Eight; that seed will be the team which prevails in this regional semifinal on Friday night.
Courtesy of FanDuel, here are the Iowa State-Miami odds:
March Madness Odds: Iowa State-Miami Odds
Iowa State: +2.5 (-110)
Miami: -2.5 (-110)
Over: 133 (-110)
Under: 133 (-110)
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Why Iowa State Could Cover the Spread
The Cyclones defend extremely well and can throw a monkey wrench into the Miami offense. People often refer to shooters and scorers as being in rhythm and in a groove, but defenses can be in a groove as well. ISU is in a groove, and it will be hard for Miami to undo that.
Why Miami Could Cover the Spread
The Hurricanes have great guards, beginning with upperclassman Charlie Moore, who is highly experienced and savvy. If the Canes' guards protect the ball and make a reasonable percentage of shots, Miami will cover the spread.
Final Iowa State-Miami Prediction & Pick
Iowa State and Miami are both well-coached teams, but Miami's Jim Larranaga — who took George Mason to the Final Four in 2006 — has been here a few times before. He will make sure his team is ready. Miami, which has never made the Elite Eight, will not be scared in this game.
Final Iowa State-Miami Pick: Miami -2.5
