Overview
Miami doesn’t mind having a little bit of drama in its games this season. Sports betting guides show the tenth-seeded Hurricanes have had 19 games this season settled by one or two possessions.
In those games, Miami has compiled a 12-7 record this season. The Hurricanes beat Auburn by double digits in the second round but did squake by USC in the first round, winning by two points.
Betting on March Madness becomes fun when the teams competing are an interesting matchup. Iowa State is no stranger to close games itself, winning both of its NCAA Tournament games thus far by five points apiece.
While St. Peter’s is clearly the Cinderella of this tournament, the Cyclones have to be a close second. Iowa State only won two games last season and are knocking on the door of its first Elite 8 appearance since 2000.
Last games records
Iowa State beat Wisconsin 54-49 on March 20. The Cyclones are 22-12 this season. Miami beat Auburn 79-61 on March 20. The Hurricanes are 25-10.
Matchup Information
Iowa State at Miami Betting Analysis
Iowa State Betting Analysis
Iowa State has been excellent outside of conference play this season, compiling a 15-0 record against non-conference opponents. When the Cyclones upset third-seeded Wisconsin in the second round, Iowa State did it on the backs of its smother defense.
Iowa State held Wisconsin to 29.8 percent shooting from the field and 9.1 percent from the free-throw line. The Cyclones also forced the Badgers into 17 turnovers.
Among the teams remaining in the Sweet 16, Iowa State leads all other teams in scoring defense, field goal percentage defense, 3-point field goal percentage defense, and turnovers forced.
Gabe Kalscheur, who is third on Iowa State in scoring by averaging 9.5 points per game, scored a team-high 22 against the Badgers. Izaiah Brockington leads the Cyclones in scoring this season, averaging 17.1 points per game, while Tyrese Hunter also averages 10.9.
Miami Betting Analysis
Miami takes great pride in flustering its opponents. The Hurricanes have a +4.63 turnover margin, which puts pressure on the opponents to be diligent on offense. Against Auburn in the second round, Miami recorded ten steals, marking the 15th time this season the Hurricanes have finished with double-digit steals.
The Hurricanes, however, are by no means a dominant defensive team. Miami allows its opponents to shoot 46.3 percent from the field, which ranks 330th nationally.
The Hurricanes also allow their foes to shoot 35.4 percent from the 3-point line, which ranks 288th. Miami’s offense, however, does more than enough to make up for its defensive shortcomings.
Kameron McGusty leads the Hurricanes by scoring 16.3 points per game. Isaiah Wong also scores 15.3 points per game. Miami is an efficient shooting team, knocking down 48.8 percent of its shots from the field.
Updates
Neither team has any recent injuries of note.
- Iowa State is 19-15 against the spread.
- Miami is 20-14-1 against the spread.
- The over has a record of 15-19 against the total in the Cyclones’ games.
- The over has a record of 20-15 against the total in the Hurricanes’’ games.
- Iowa State is 13-8 against the spread following a win.
- Miami is 12-12 against the spread following a win.
Iowa State at Miami Betting Preview
March Madness betting odds have Miami as a 2.5-point favorite. Anyone looking to place a different type of March Madness bets can also consider the over/under, which is set at 133 points.
Iowa State at Miami Betting Prediction
Iowa State has made remarkable progress under coach T.J. Otzelberger. The question for the Cyclones will be if, and when, the magic will run out for this group.
Iowa State doesn’t necessarily have to fade now. The Cyclones were able to qualify for the NCAA tournament in one of the toughest leagues in Division I and have demonstrated their toughness many times over.
Miami had an easier ride to the NCAA Tournament this year, with the ACC having a down season. However, the conference’s struggles obviously haven’t made the Hurricanes any softer.
Miami is an up-tempo team that enjoys causing havoc and is hoping to march on to the Elite 8 for the first time ever. The Hurricanes’ defense will need to continue to create extra possessions and tire out the Cyclones’ defense.
Iowa State will likely play a deliberate tempo, and Miami may be in for yet another tight contest. However, the Hurricanes will show how they can flourish in tight spots and make program history.
Bet the Hurricanes -2.5.
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