As the NCAA Tournament kicks off, the No. 3 seed Iowa State Cyclones prepare to take on the No. 14 seed Lipscomb Bisons on Friday, March 21, 2025, at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The first-round game is set to tip off at 10:30 AM MST and will be broadcast live on TNT.
Iowa State enters the tournament with a 24-9 overall record, aiming to shake off last year’s disappointing first-round exit. In 2023, the Cyclones were eliminated in their opening game, leading to heightened expectations this year. With a formidable team and significant playoff experience, they are heavily favored to win this matchup against Lipscomb, which boasts a 25-9 record.
The betting odds reflect the Cyclones' status, with Iowa State favored by 14.5 points, and a moneyline of -1400, while Lipscomb is sitting at +775. The over/under for the game has been set at 143.5 points. The prediction models are also leaning heavily towards Iowa State, giving them a 91% chance of winning the game, while Lipscomb has only a 9% probability, according to extensive simulations.
Historically, the Cyclones have been a solid team in the NCAA Tournament. Their best recent performance as a No. 3 seed was in 2014 when they reached the Sweet 16. However, they suffered a shocking upset in 2015, losing to UAB in the first round. This tournament presents an opportunity to redeem themselves and prove they can go the distance.
Lipscomb, hailing from Nashville, Tennessee, earned their place in the tournament by winning the Atlantic Sun Tournament, defeating North Alabama 76-65. This marks the Bisons' second appearance in the NCAA Tournament, with their first being in 2018. Lipscomb’s team performance has been impressive, highlighted by their offensive efficiency ranking as No. 75 in the country.
Key players for the Bisons include Jacob Ognacevic, the Atlantic Sun Player of the Year, who averages 20.1 points and 8.1 rebounds per game, shooting an impressive 57.3% overall and 40.2% from three-point range. Ognacevic, a senior and a native of Sheboygan, Wisconsin, will undoubtedly be a focal point for Iowa State's defense.
The Cyclones will need to contain Ognacevic and Lipscomb’s adept shooting, as the Bisons shoot 36.7% from beyond the arc and 79.6% from the free-throw line, ranking seventh in the nation. Lipscomb's balanced offensive attack, which features multiple players scoring in double figures, makes them a formidable opponent despite their lower seed.
The matchup will also hinge on whether Iowa State's Tamin Lipsey can perform effectively following a groin injury. After missing the previous game in the Big 12 Tournament, his presence on the court is crucial. Coach T.J. Otzelberger expects Lipsey to return, but the extent of his effectiveness remains a question mark.
Defensively, both teams boast strong records; Iowa State allows 68.1 points per game while Lipscomb concedes 67.3. Iowa State will look to leverage their strengths, including their size advantage, with four players standing 6'9” or taller, to overpower Lipscomb inside the paint.
The momentum heading into this game indicates that Iowa State has the upper hand. They will be looking to bounce back from their 96-92 loss to BYU in the Big 12 Tournament. The Cyclones have shown they can score, averaging 80.4 points per game this season, one of the highest averages in the tournament. Consequently, they will aim to impose their offensive will against Lipscomb.
Predictive models and sports analysts are unanimous in their expectations for this matchup. The prediction from the Des Moines Register suggests Iowa State will triumph over Lipscomb with a score of 71-58, highlighting their experience and tact in high-stakes games as determinants for success. Furthermore, ESPN gives Iowa State a lethal 92.4% chance to win.
In terms of betting advice, the Cyclones’ overwhelming odds indicate a strategic play for those who believe in the favorites. Some analysts have recommended a bet on, Lipscomb to cover the spread, despite the significant gap in seeding and expectations.
As both teams prepare for the exciting challenge ahead, expectations are high for Iowa State to assert their dominance and emerge victorious. The matchup promises to be thrilling, combining talent, strategy, and the electrifying energy of March Madness.
Expect a tightly contested game with Iowa State predicted to secure a comfortable win against Lipscomb, perhaps with a final score of 80-67, as the Cyclones aim to advance to the second round and beyond in the NCAA Tournament.
