Conference tournament games often create quick rematches, and that is exactly the case when Arizona State meets Iowa State on Wednesday afternoon. Arizona State enters this contest after an emotional 83-79 win over Baylor in the opening round of the Big 12 Tournament. That victory pushed the Sun Devils to 17-15 and gave them a chance to continue their postseason run. Iowa State has been one of the stronger teams in the conference throughout the season and arrives with a top ten national ranking, looking to win a second Arizona State vs Iowa State matchup in the span of one week.
Our Arizona State vs Iowa State Pick
Pick:
Confidence: 3 out of 5
Game Snapshot
- Matchup: Arizona State Sun Devils @ Iowa State Cyclones
- Date & Time: Wednesday, March 11, 12:30 PM ET
- Venue: T-Mobile Center, Kansas City, Missouri
- Broadcast: ESPN+
Key Storylines
Arizona State arrives with confidence after its tournament-opening win over Baylor. The Sun Devils shot over 57% from the field in that game and received contributions across the roster. That type of offensive performance is necessary because Iowa State tends to control games with defense and disciplined offense.
The Cyclones finished the regular season as one of the strongest teams in the Big 12 and remain highly ranked entering postseason play. Their offense is efficient, and their defense regularly limits opponents to difficult shots. Iowa State has also been consistent throughout the season, averaging more than 80 points per game while allowing opponents well below that mark.
The challenge for Arizona State is depth and consistency. The Sun Devils have shown they can upset high-level teams, including a recent victory against Kansas earlier this month. However, sustaining that level against a complete Iowa State lineup will require nearly perfect execution, especially when playing for the second straight day.
Key Players
Iowa State Cyclones
- Milan Momcilovic – The forward leads Iowa State with about 17 points per game and has been extremely efficient, shooting over 50% from the field and more than 50% from three-point range. His ability to stretch defenses makes him the focal point of the Cyclones’ offense.
- Joshua Jefferson – Jefferson contributes across the board with about 16.6 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game. His versatility allows Iowa State to run offense through him while also controlling the glass.
- Tamin Lipsey – The guard averages more than 13 points and 5 assists while providing elite perimeter defense. He also leads the team in steals and helps ignite transition opportunities.
Arizona State Sun Devils
- Maurice Odum – One of the key offensive options for Arizona State, Odum recently scored 23 points in a major win against Kansas while knocking down five three-point shots. His perimeter scoring keeps defenses honest.
- Massamba Diop – The interior anchor for the Sun Devils is known for defense and rim protection. He has been one of the conference leaders in blocks and provides a physical presence in the paint.
- Andrija Grbovic – A reliable scoring option who adds size and rebounding, Grbovic contributes double-digit scoring and provides balance alongside the guards.
Stat Comparison
| Stat | Arizona State | Iowa State |
|---|---|---|
| Points per game | 77.2 | 81.8 |
| Points allowed per game | 77.9 | 65.7 |
| Team Field Goal % | 45% | 49% |
| Rebounds Per Game | 33.3 | 35.5 |
| Assists Per Game | 14.0 | 17.4 |
Head-to-Head & Betting Trends
- Past meetings this season: Iowa State defeated Arizona State 86-65 in their most recent meeting, their lone meeting this year.
- Iowa State is 4-1 all-time against Arizona State.
- Iowa State is 17-13-1 against the spread this season.
- Arizona State enters this game with a 19-11-1 record against the spread.
Arizona State vs Iowa State Model Projection
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Final Thoughts
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