South Dakota State vs. Iowa State Prediction, Best Bets, and Odds

• Iowa State received a #2 seed after winning the Big 12

• South Dakota was given a #15 seed after winning the Summit League

• The Cyclones were considered 8th best team in the tournament by the committee

Iowa State and South Dakota State will battle in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. The Cyclones are the second seed in the East Region, with the Jackrabbits entering as a #15 seed. 

South Dakota State punched their ticket to the NCAA Tournament with a victory over Denver in the Summit League Championship. The Cyclones also punched their ticket as an automatic qualifier by winning the Big 12.

Iowa State dominated Houston 69-41, making a statement in the eyes of the committee and earning their #2 seed. Here, we will break down the matchup and give our best bet for South Dakota State vs. Iowa State.

Sports Betting Promos for South Dakota State vs Iowa State

March Madness is all about the offers. Sportsbooks go above and beyond to provide outstanding offers for March Madness. We have partnered with multiple operators to give you some great deals for the NCAA Tournament.

South Dakota State vs. Iowa State Prediction and Odds

South Dakota State 

Iowa State should cruise to a win over South Dakota State, but the Jackrabbits are playing very well. They won eight straight games to conclude the season, so they couldn’t be in better shape heading into Thursday’s contest against the Cyclones. 

South Dakota State averages 76.8 points per game and is led by Zeke Mayo. Mayo averages 18.8 points per game, and he is one of the most efficient shooters in the country. 

Mayo shoots 46.6% from the field while contributing in multiple categories. The 6’4” junior is physical, pulling down 4.8 rebounds per game. He also averages 3.5 assists per contest.

Mayo must play his best game to spark the Jackrabbits against the champions of the Big 12. Yet, South Dakota State hasn’t ventured outside of the Summit League too much this season, and the difference in talent between their usual opponent and Iowa State will show.

Iowa State Cyclones

Iowa State is 27-7 and finished the season winning seven of their final eight games. Their win over Houston in the Big 12 Championship was the game that propelled Iowa State into the spotlight. 

This team skyrocketed to a #2 seed and is now viewed as a contender in the East Region. There is something to be said for people picking Iowa State because they’re in the same region as UConn. 

Iowa State has multiple players who can score, which makes them very dangerous. Keshon Gilbert is the primary scorer for the Cyclones, dropping 13.8 points per game with 4.5 rebounds and 4.3 assists per game. 

The other leading scorer for the Cyclones is sophomore guard Tamin Lipsey. Lipsey is also a well-rounded player, with 12.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 4.9 assists. 

Iowa State is a selfless team, which is why it has succeeded. If it plays its best game, the team should easily take control of the Jackrabbits.

South Dakota State vs Iowa State Pick

PICK: Iowa State -16.5 (-115) at FanDuel

In college basketball, you are what you win by on a nightly basis. While Iowa State didn’t win the Big 12 regular season title, they were the best team in the conference against the spread. 

The Cyclones were 23-10-1 against the spread, covering 69.7% of the time. They cashed many tickets against the spread in a conference loaded with talented teams. 

South Dakota State didn’t dominate against the spread in the Summit League with a 14-15 record. The Jackrabbits are 134th in the KenPom Ratings compared to the Cyclones in 5th. 

It may take Iowa State a little time to settle into this contest, but they should take control relatively quickly. Lay the points with the Cyclones.

How to Watch South Dakota State vs. Iowa State

• When: Thursday, March 21st @ 7:35 PM ET

• Where: CHI Health Center Omaha, Omaha, NE

• TV: TruTV

• Streaming: March Madness App

If you or someone you know needs support or wants to speak with a professional about responsible gambling, seek out the correct resources. Call 1-800-GAMBLER to get help, or visit www.1800gambler.net for more information. WSN is an advocate for safe gambling practices.