March Madness 2026 Round of 32 pick, odds, best bet Sunday

The excitement of March Madness reached new heights in Kentucky’s recent game against Santa Clara, where Otega Oweh’s buzzer-beating 3-pointer forced overtime and led the Wildcats to a thrilling 89-84 victory. Oweh’s stellar performance included 35 points, propelling the seventh-seeded Wildcats to the next round of the tournament.

Their next challenge comes in the form of the formidable Iowa State team, the tournament’s second seed. Iowa State dominated their last game against Tennessee State with a commanding 108-74 win, showcasing their offensive prowess and defensive tenacity. However, the team faces uncertainty as guard Joshua Jefferson suffered a sprained ankle, raising questions about his availability for the upcoming game against Kentucky.

Despite the Cyclones being favored by five points in the spread, there is a strong public backing for Iowa State, with 82 percent of BetMGM spread bettors favoring them to cover. Iowa State has yet to secure a win against Kentucky in the history of their matchups, adding an extra layer of intrigue to this upcoming clash.

In terms of predictions and odds, Iowa State was initially considered a sharp pick with a six percent chance of winning the tournament. The Cyclones are known for their disciplined gameplay, strong ball control, and efficient shooting. However, their Achilles’ heel lies in free throw shooting, where they rank poorly in the nation.

Kentucky, on the other hand, boasts a lineup with size and firepower to match Iowa State. With players like Andrija Jelavic, Malachi Moreno, Mouhamed Dioubate, and Brandon Garrison, the Wildcats have the potential to exploit Iowa State’s weaknesses and secure a victory.

While Kentucky may not excel in 3-point shooting like they did in previous years, their transition game and ability to score in volume make them a formidable opponent. In this matchup, I am leaning towards Kentucky to cover the spread, as their high-scoring style could challenge Iowa State’s defensive identity.

For those looking to place a bet on this game, consider taking Kentucky at +5 with odds of -110 on Fanatics. This pick offers value based on the matchup and each team’s strengths and weaknesses.

In conclusion, the upcoming game between Kentucky and Iowa State promises to be a thrilling showdown between two talented teams. With both sides eager to advance further in the tournament, expect a competitive and high-scoring affair that could go down to the wire. Don’t miss out on the action and consider placing a bet on this exciting matchup.