Iowa State vs. Miami Updated Prediction and Odds for NCAA Tournament Sweet Sixteen

Two unlikely participants in the Sweet 16 do battle on Friday night at the United Center in Chicago. The No. 11-seeded Iowa State Cyclones will face off against the No. 10-seeded Miami Hurricanes in Friday’s nightcap game. Needless to say, both teams got hot at just the right time and have surprised many by making it this far. 

The Hurricanes pulled off upsets in the first two rounds of the tournament with victories over No. 7 USC and No. 1 Auburn in the Round of 32. The Cyclones, meanwhile, upset No. 6 LSU and No. Wisconsin to earn their spot in the Sweet Sixteen. Here are the odds for this Sweet Sixteen matchup, courtesy of WynnBET Sportsbook.

Iowa State vs. Miami Odds, Spread, and Total

Spread:

• Iowa State +2.5 (-110)
• Miami -2.5 (-110)

Moneyline:

• Iowa State +120
• Miami -140

Total: 133 (Over -110/Under -110)

Iowa State vs. Miami Prediction and Pick

This is a classic matchup between one team with a high-ranking offense and the other with a powerful defense. The Hurricanes have the edge in the scoring department for sure and rank 55th in points per game at 74.7. The Canes shot 47.7% overall which ranks them 19th in the nation. They are also a fairly fast-paced team and make the 29th most field goals per game. 

But, the Cyclones' defense ranks 18th in scoring and is one of the best perimeter teams in the nation. The Cyclones have the ability to slow opposing offenses down a lot and rank seventh in shots attempted against them per game. Hence the low total. 

I think the big difference between the two is that the Hurricanes have been playing better defense lately. Meanwhile, The Cyclones' offense is not getting any better and remains a big liability. They are 281st in scoring, 303rd in rebounding, and 300th in turnovers per play on offense. It’s not much, but enough for me to fade the underdogs here. 

Pick: Miami -2.5 (-110)

Follow all of Matt De Saro’s betting picks HERE