MILWAUKEE, Wis. – The excitement surrounding the NCAA tournament continues as No. 3 Iowa State is set to clash with No. 6 Ole Miss in a much-anticipated Round of 32 game on Sunday, March 23, 2025. With both teams looking to secure their places in the coveted Sweet 16, eyes will be on how they capitalize on their first-round successes.
Iowa State heads into this matchup with an impressive 25-9 record, having recently dismantled No. 14 Lipscomb with a commanding 82-55 victory on March 21, 2025. Led by standout player Milan Momcilovic, who scored 20 points and showcased remarkable energy, the Cyclones put on an offensive exhibition that saw them dominate in points within the paint.
During the first half against Lipscomb, Iowa State established a strong foothold with a blistering 60 percent shooting percentage, including an explosive 18-3 run that shifted the game's momentum. Momcilovic alone contributed 17 points in the opening half and was instrumental during a 14-0 run that put the Cyclones ahead 29-16. Curtis Jones, along with Tamin Lipsey and Joshua Jefferson, provided additional scoring support, reinforcing Iowa State’s strong offensive capabilities.
In comparison, Ole Miss is eager to advance past the second round for the first time since 2013, currently holding a 23-11 record. The Rebels also enjoyed a victory, edging out No. 11 North Carolina 71-64 in their first-round encounter. Sean Pedulla led the charge for Ole Miss, contributing 20 points as the team worked to fend off late challenges from the Tar Heels.
Both teams share a common frequent theme—the need for physicality to succeed. Iowa State's coach, T.J. Otzelberger, emphasizes this element, stating, "Physicality is an imperative for Iowa State on both ends." Given Iowa State's depth and strength in the paint, the Rebels will need to bring their best defensive efforts if they hope to counter. Ole Miss, known for its scrappy play, will rely on its experience and balanced scoring, with five players averaging double digits, while also focusing on minimizing second-chance points against their opponents.
This matchup promises to be intriguing, particularly in the turnover game. Iowa State ranks 13th nationally by forcing turnovers on 21.9% of opponent possessions, while Ole Miss, ranked 35th at 20.3%, also takes good care of the ball, incurring one of the lowest turnover rates in the country at just 13.0%. With both teams adept at disrupting offenses, the team that can capitalize on forced turnovers might significantly influence the final outcome.
Previously, when the two teams last faced off during Otzelberger's inaugural season in 2021-22, Iowa State emerged victorious in a close home match, 79-70, but later lost at Texas 63-41. This history accentuates the importance of strong coaching strategies; both Otzelberger and Ole Miss's Chris Beard are looking to leverage their respective experiences in tournament play to keep their teams focused.
Predictions indicate a challenging game ahead, with a final forecast of Iowa State pulling ahead of Ole Miss, 75-69. As fans gear up for an exciting matchup, the stakes are undoubtedly high for both teams seeking a Sweet 16 berth. Regardless of the outcome, this encounter will contribute to the rich tapestry of March Madness, showcasing talent and determination on the national stage.
