The Rebels of Ole Miss (23-11) are set to face the Iowa State Cyclones (25-9) in a crucial second-round showdown in the 2025 NCAA Tournament on Sunday in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. With a trip to the Sweet 16 on the line, both teams are looking to make a statement. Chris Beard’s Rebels have overachieved in the tournament so far, while T.J. Otzelberger’s Cyclones flexed their muscle in a dominant first-round performance.
The stakes are high for Ole Miss as they attempt to reach the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2001. Meanwhile, Iowa State is seeking to capitalize on its strong season, having finished fifth in the Big 12 and racking up an impressive 10-7 record against Quad 1 opponents. This matchup presents an intriguing battle of coaching minds, with Beard and Otzelberger both known for their ability to adjust in-game.
Ole Miss vs. Iowa State Betting Preview
All Ole Miss vs. Iowa State odds are from DraftKings Sportsbook and are correct as of Friday, March 22, 2025.
- Spread: Iowa State -5.5
- Moneyline: Ole Miss +190, Iowa State -225
- Over/Under: 145.5 points
- Game Time: Sunday, March 23, 2025, at 7:45 p.m. EST
- Location: Fiserv Forum | Milwaukee, WI
- How to Watch: truTV
Iowa State comes into this game as a 5.5-point favorite after dominating Lipscomb in the first round with a 27-point victory. The Cyclones have been a strong betting option all season, finishing with a solid record against the spread (ATS) in Big 12 play.
On the other hand, Ole Miss has been indecisive as an underdog, covering the spread in their last two games. The Rebels have momentum after a tight first-round battle, and Chris Beard’s squad will look to keep it close against a disciplined Iowa State team.
Ole Miss vs. Iowa State CSN Winning Probability
- Iowa State: 65%
- Ole Miss: 35%
Iowa State’s chances of winning align closely with the Vegas moneyline, where the Cyclones are favored at -225. The 65% implied probability from CSN suggests that Iowa State is expected to take care of business, but the 35% chance for Ole Miss leaves the door open for an upset. Given the Rebels’ resilience and Beard’s coaching track record in the NCAA Tournament, this game could be closer than the odds suggest.
Prediction for Ole Miss vs. Iowa State
This matchup will be determined by tempo and defensive execution. Iowa State boasts one of the best defenses in the country, forcing opponents into suboptimal shots while crashing the boards aggressively. However, Ole Miss has shown grit and resilience, particularly when playing as an underdog.
Key to the game will be Iowa State aggressively crashing the boards. The Rebels thrive when they can push the pace, but the Cyclones have been elite at dictating the tempo and limiting second-chance opportunities. Iowa State’s depth and efficiency, particularly in transition, could pose problems for a Rebels squad that lacks significant bench contributions.
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While Ole Miss will put up a fight, the Cyclones’ defensive structure and recent dominance suggest they will have the edge down the stretch. Expect Iowa State to control the boards and hit clutch shots late to secure their spot in the Sweet 16.
Prediction: Iowa State 76, Ole Miss 71
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