NCAAB: #20 BYU vs #6 Iowa State Odds, and Picks (Mar 6)

• BYU continued to roll against TCU, surging back in the 2nd half to win 87-75.
• Iowa State picked up their 3rd straight win, after defeating UCF on Saturday.
• These two teams last faced off on January 16, in a game that BYU won 87-72.

Selection Sunday is just two weeks away! Let’s look at this Big-12 clash between the BYU Cougars and the Iowa State Cyclones. Both teams are expected to receive a 6-seed or better in the upcoming tournament.

How to Watch

• ESPN2

Preview

BYU trailed TCU 46-29 at halftime, appearing to be on track for a bad loss at home. Yet, they didn’t let up, starting the 2nd half on an 18-4 run that brought the score to within three points. From there, the Cougars continued to pummel TCU, eventually outscoring them 58-29 in the 2nd half. It was a testament to BYU’s resilience, which should serve them well in the NCAA Tournament. They currently project as a 5-seed.

Iowa State remains in striking distance of the Big-12’s top spot, currently holding a 12-4 conference record and a 23-6 overall record. They’ve built a solid resume that’s headlined by wins at home against Houston and Kansas, but also held the 328th most difficult non-conference schedule. The Cyclones are a lock to make the tournament, but their seed may be lower than expected if they don’t earn ranked road victories.

Prediction

BYU dominated the first matchup between these two teams at home, but will face a tougher task against Iowa State on the road this time around. The Cyclones have played consistently well over the past few months, but have also not been tested in a bit. I see them winning a very close matchup at home here.

NCAAB Picks:

• Iowa State 69, BYU 65 (BYU +6.5)