In a pivotal moment for college basketball, Iowa State enters the 2025 Men's College Basketball Tournament as a 3 seed, despite significant setbacks due to injuries. The team’s standout guard, Keshon Gilbert, will not participate in the tournament after suffering a groin injury initially sustained in mid-February. This absence raises questions about Iowa State’s prospects as they face Lipscomb, a 14 seed, in the first round.
Gilbert's injury is particularly troubling since he has been a central figure for Iowa State all season. In fact, he played a mere 76 minutes across three games during the latter part of the season due to this injury. Yet, to the surprise of many, Iowa State has shown resilience during Gilbert's absence, maintaining an Adjusted Net Rating that improved to 27.2 from February 20 onward, a slight enhancement from the 26.2 rating prior.
The depth of Iowa State's roster will be tested against Lipscomb, a team that, despite having lost both matches to teams ranked in the top 100 of the KenPom ratings by an average of 22.5 points, poses its own challenges.
In the eyes of many analysts, the absence of Gilbert could hinder Iowa State's ambitions for a deep run in the tournament. However, there are reasons for cautious optimism. One player stepping up in Gilbert's absence is Joshua Jefferson. Averaging 13.0 points and 7.4 rebounds per game, Jefferson has managed to elevate his performance when called upon. Critically, after Gilbert’s injury, Jefferson surpassed 20.5 points plus rebounds in three out of the five games in which Gilbert was sidelined. This achievement showcases his ability to step into the spotlight under pressure.
The first-round matchup against Lipscomb presents an ideal opportunity for Jefferson to shine further. The Bisons rank a lowly 330th in offensive rebound rate, which may create additional opportunities for Jefferson, thanks to the increased playing time he has seen recently.
As gambling analysts lay out their betting odds, it's notable that Iowa State remains the favored team for this matchup. The challenge will be for them to maintain their high gameplay standards without their key contributor. Iowa State played without Gilbert for a significant portion of the season's stretch run and still managed to perform commendably.
With the stakes higher than ever, fans will be closely watching how these dynamics play out on the court. Many wonder if Iowa State can rally together to compensate for the absence of their injured star. Betting lines also reflect a line of confidence in the Cyclones, as sports analysts are betting on their ability to take down Lipscomb despite the hurdles presented by Gilbert's injury.
As the game draws near, many sports enthusiasts are encouraged to consider potential bets, especially on prop bets centered around Joshua Jefferson. With his recent surge in performance during Gilbert's limitation, he is becoming a focal point in the lineup. His ability to capitalize on the Bisons' shortcomings is encouraging and stirs excitement among bettors.
In conclusion, the Iowa State versus Lipscomb game stands as a significant first-round matchup in the 2025 Men’s College Basketball Tournament, with plenty of uncertainty surrounding the teams. The loss of Keshon Gilbert undoubtedly alters the landscape for Iowa State, making each player’s contribution even more essential. Fans, analysts, and bettors alike remain hopeful, with a keen eye on how this situation unfolds on the court.
