Very few things on the sports calendar can match the excitement and unpredictability of the NCAA Tournament. So why not add betting to the mix via the college basketball odds at FanDuel Sportsbook?

The 2024 edition of the big dance has arrived, and here at FanDuel Research, we'll have you covered with a betting guide for each game.

After avoiding upsets in the Round of 64, Washington State and Iowa State will collide in the second round of the NCAA Tournament.

All college basketball odds come from FanDuel Sportsbook, and lines may change after this article is published.

NCAA Tournament Betting Picks

Washington State vs. Iowa State Betting Odds

Date and Time: Saturday, March 23rd at 6:10 p.m. ET

Spread: Iowa State -6.5 (-120)

Total: 128.5

Moneyline:

• Washington State: +245
• Iowa State: -310

Washington State vs. Iowa State Statistical Breakdown

Advanced stats from KenPom, Bart Torvik and numberFire.

Washington State

• numberFire Ranking: 38th
• Bart Torvik Ranking: 39th
• KenPom Ranking: 37th
  • Adjusted Defensive Efficiency Ranking: 23rd
  • Adjusted Offensive Efficiency Ranking: 67th
  • Adjusted Tempo Ranking: 313th

Iowa State

• numberFire Ranking: 8th
• Bart Torvik Ranking: 4th
• KenPom Ranking: 6th
  • Adjusted Defensive Efficiency Ranking: 2nd
  • Adjusted Offensive Efficiency Ranking: 53rd
  • Adjusted Tempo Ranking: 189th

Washington State vs. Iowa State Best Bet

Over 128.5 Points (-115)

Two of the best defensive teams remaining in the NCAA Tournament go head-to-head between Washington State and Iowa State in the Round of 32.

With that being said, the total being set at 128.5 points feels far too low for this game, giving us the chance to take the over in the expected defensive battle.

Both of these teams are coming in after strong wins. Washington State was able to fight off the attack of Drake in their opening game, winning 66-61. Iowa State showed their dominance as a No. 2 seed, winning over South Dakota State by a score of 82-65.

On the overall season, Washington State is averaging 74.3 points per game while Iowa State is at 75.7. Their average point margin is 14.3 points, which could be what we see on Saturday between these two teams.

It's going to come down to how tough each team's defense is. Iowa State ranked second in the nation, per KenPom's Adjusted Defensive Efficiency with an 87.6 mark. Washington State wasn't too bad themselves, coming in at 23rd with a 96.5. It's why the total is so low, but points can be scored, and it's going to be close.

Iowa State will be counting on their top scorers Keshon Gilbert and Tamin Lipsey to lead the way offensively, though Milan Momcilovic did record 17 points in the opening game and should be a good third option.

Washington State had just three scorers who averaged double digits on the campaign, with Isaac Jones averaging 15.5 points on the year. If he's able to own the inside, he will be a big reason that this game can hit the over and Washington State stays in it.

numberFire's model is in on the over, giving the game a 67.69% likelihood of passing 128.5 points. That's an improvement over the -115 odds, which is a 53.5% implied probability.

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The above author is a FanDuel employee and is not eligible to compete in public daily fantasy contests or place sports betting wagers on FanDuel. The advice provided by the author does not necessarily represent the views of FanDuel. Taking the author's advice will not guarantee a successful outcome. You should use your own judgment when participating in daily fantasy contests or placing sports wagers.