ESPN analysts predict final score of Tennessee-Iowa State game
Published:
A couple of leading college basketball analysts for ESPN have finalized their score predictions for Tennessee‘s Sweet 16 matchup against Iowa State.
Jeff Borzello and Myron Medcalf of ESPN are both picking the Cyclones to come out on top in this game. Here are their score predictions:
- Borzello’s prediction: Iowa State 67-65
- Medcalf’s prediction: Iowa State 74-68
Iowa State is the favorite in the betting markets despite significant uncertainty regarding star Joshua Jefferson. He’s considered a game-time decision as he rehabs an ankle injury he suffered in Iowa State’s first-round game. Jefferson told reporters on Thursday that he won’t be able to practice prior to tip-off.
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Here’s an excerpt from Medcalf’s analysis on what Tennessee would need to do in order to win the game:
To beat Iowa State, Tennessee will have to play the same disciplined defense that stopped Virginia in the final minutes of Sunday’s second-round game. That task begins with Felix Okpara, who had four blocks against the Cavaliers and altered other shots, including a late drive by Thijs De Ridder that Okpara blocked during Virginia’s comeback attempt. Opposing players had made only 30% of their shots around the rim against Okpara entering Sunday’s game, per Synergy Sports data. He’ll have to protect the rim against Iowa State, which had a significant advantage in paint points against Kentucky (34-20) — but he won’t have to do it alone.
In addition to Okpara, Tennessee will be hoping to get big games from players like Ja’Kobi Gillespie and Nate Ament. Gillespie is averaging 25 points per game during the NCAA Tournament.
Over on Kalshi, here’s what the up-to-date odds are for this game:
Spenser is a news editor for Saturday Down South and covers college football across all Saturday Football brands.
