Iowa State Cyclones vs. Arkansas-Little Rock Trojans Predictions, Picks, Odds and Betting Preview – NCAA March Madness Round of 32 – March 19, 2016

Arkansas-Little Rock continued the tradition of 12-seeds taking down five-seeds in the first round of the National Tournament after the Trojans defeated Purdue on Wednesday.  Will they come up with another upset win against the high-flying Iowa State Cyclones, who appear to eat baskets for breakfast?

For more March Madness previews, you can check out our breakdown of Virginia vs. Butler.

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March Madness No. 4 Iowa State vs No. 12 Arkansas-Little Rock Preview

Where: Pepsi Coliseum, Denver

When: Saturday, March 19

Line: Virginia Cavaliers vs. Butler Bulldogs– view all NCAA Basketball lines

TV Broadcast: TBD

Betting on the Iowa State Cyclones

What upset? Iowa State was a trendy pick to be a Cinderella victim in the first round by many, but the Cyclones didn’t have any of that, as they defeated Iona on Thursday, 94-81.

The Cyclones flashed their mighty offensive form against Iona, as they shot 50.0 percent from field and made 10 threes. Georges Niang clearly wasn’t about to let his college career end in the first round, scattering 28 points across 37 minutes of action. Scoring is the name of Iowa State’s game with the team ranking 13th in the nation in points (81.8 PPG), fifth in effective field goal percentage (56.8%), and second in field goal percentage (50.2%).

The Cyclones are so good in scoring around the basket, as they ae fourth overall with a 73.1 FG% at the rim. They’re also terrific in two-point jumpers, converting 40.8% of such shots. Moreover, Iowa State makes 8.3 threes per game. The Cyclones can generate points in a variety of ways that it’s hard to pinpoint for opponents where exactly Iowa State is going to get buckets.

Iowa State has a lousy defense so the Cyclones really depend on their offense to win games. Besides Niang, the team will also look for the likes of Monte Morris (13.9 PPG), Abdel Nader (13.1 PPG), and Jameel McKay (12.0 PPG) for scoring production.

Iowa State is 5-0 SU and 3-2 ATS in its last five games as a favorite.

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Betting on the Arkansas-Little Rock Trojans

Arkansas-Little Rock just destroyed lots of brackets on Thursday. That’s when the 12-seed Trojans recorded an 85-83 overtime win over five-seed Purdue.

The Trojans got a big boost from main man Josh Hagins, who erupted for 31 points on 10-for-20 shooting. Despite the offensive brilliance from the Trojans against Purdue, their defense will be the key in their upset bid against the high-scoring Iowa State squad. Arkansas-Little Rock owns one of the best defenses in Division I ball, one that ranks 27th in defensive efficiency, third in scoring defense (60.1 points allowed per game), and 11th in opponents’ shooting percentage (39.1%).

The Trojans are also definitely looking to abuse Iowa State’s poor defense that allows 75.0 points per game. Iona even shot 48.4% from the field and hit seven threes against the Cyclones.

Arkansas-Little Rock can score too, as the Trojans average 70.0 PPG and carries a 52.4 eFG%. They make 7.4 threes on 38.7% clip—21st best in the nation.

Arkansas-Little Rock is 7-1 ATS in its last eight games as an underdog.

Writer’s Prediction

Arkansas-Litte Rock wins, 76-74.