They say defense wins championships. If that statement holds any water, then the next national champions may come from this very matchup. The Northern Iowa Panthers own one of the best defenses in the entire nation. So do their opponents, the Wyoming Cowboys. Which of these two terrific defensive teams prevail? Read on as we break down this intriguing matchup.
Looking for a change of pace? Then check out our complete previews for North Carolina vs. Harvard and Oregon vs. Oklahoma State. Both feature high-octane offensive teams to round up your March Madness viewing.
[sc:MarchMadness ]March Madness No. 5 Northern Iowa Panthers vs. No. 12 Wyoming Cowboys Preview
Where: Key Arena, Seattle
When: Friday, March 20, 1:40 PM ET
Line: Northern Iowa Panthers (-6) vs. Wyoming Cowboys (+6); total 110.5 – view all March Madness lines
Betting on the Northern Iowa Panthers
It’s a one-man show over at Northern Iowa. Senior forward Seth Tuttle leads his team with 15.3 points, 6.8 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game this season. No other Panther is averaging double-digit points, but that hasn’t stopped the Panthers from impressing this season. They finished with a 30-3 record overall and captured the Missouri Valley Conference tournament title to punch their ticket to the Big Dance.
[sc:NCAAB240banner ]While Tuttle carries the bulk of the Panthers’ offense, their defense is a result of a total team effort. Northern Iowa ranks fourth in the country in scoring defense, allowing just 54.3 points per game this season. Northern Iowa has also limited opponents to shoot just 39 percent from the field.
Jeremy Morgan has been a handful for opposing ball handlers recently. He’s averaging two steals over his last six games. Having Morgan matching up against Wyoming point guard Josh Adams could prove beneficial. Adams is committing 2.6 turnovers per game this season, a team-high.
The Panthers have been a spread covering machine in their last 20 games, going 13-4-3 against the spread.
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Betting on the Wyoming Cowboys
Wyoming finished the regular season tied for fourth in the Mountain West Conference. But they went on an impressive run in the conference tournament, winning the title after beating Boise State and San Diego State (both top 50 RPI teams) in the semifinals and finals respectively.
Like Northern Iowa, the Cowboys have one of the best defenses in the league. They’re allowing just 56 points per game this season (eighth in the nation). This excellent defense may be enough to limit a pretty shallow Northern Iowa team which relies too much on just one player, Tuttle.
Should the Cowboys be able to stifle Tuttle, they can make Northern Iowa pay with a very efficient offense. Wyoming’s emphasis of excellent ball movement (14.3 assists per game, 59th in the nation) has led to plenty of shots falling their way (46 percent field goal percentage, 60th in the nation).
Unlike Northern Iowa, Wyoming has two players who can carry the team on offense. Larry Nance leads the team with 16.1 points per game, while Josh Adams isn’t too far behind scoring 13.1 per game.
Adams also leads the team with 3.5 assists per game. Finding the open man should be the key in this matchup. Northern Iowa is allowing unmarked players to shoot 49 percent from two-point range.
The Cowboys are 2-4 ATS in their last six games as underdogs.
Writer’s Prediction
With both teams fielding excellent defenses, this game should be decided by the final shot. Therefore, take Wyoming to cover +6.
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