The Arkansas-Little Rock Trojans pulled off one of the first upsets in March Madness by knocking off the Purdue Boilermakers on Thursday. Now the question is whether or not the slipper still fits and they will be able to knock off the Iowa State Cyclones to make the Sweet Sixteen.
College Basketball Odds at BookMaker.eu
Arkansas LR +6
Iowa State Cyclones -6
Over/Under 146
HOW THE IOWA STATE CYCLONES CAN COVER THE SPREAD
It wasn't a big surprise that Iowa St gave up 81 to Iona in its first round game. The Cyclones have given up points all season long, but with their ability to score it isn't usually a huge concern. That's what we saw on Thursday as the Cyclones put up 94 points and shot 50 percent from the floor in a 13 point win.
Georges Niang had his usual great game, going 11-of-23 from the floor for 28 points with six rebounds and the Gaels had trouble all game long containing his size and range.
Monte Norris, Abdel Nader, Jameel McKay, and Matt Thomas all had solid games in the starting lineup but their minutes showed how shallow Iowa State’s bench is. Despite foul trouble for Nader and McKay, no bench player played more than 13 minutes. The extreme reliance on the starters is going to make the Cyclones more fatigued for the second game in each of these weeks, and they will be more vulnerable on Saturday than they normally would be.
HOW THE ARKANSAS-LITTLE ROCK TROJANS CAN COVER THE SPREAD
The Trojans were down 13 points to Purdue with three and a half minutes to play and it looked like their hopes were crushed. However, Josh Hagins showed why this time of the year is so special by nailing a deep three pointer with time running out in regulation to seal an amazing comeback.
Hagins went off for 31 points on 50 percent shooting and his deep three will be added to the highlight reel of Cinderella teams for seasons to come. He only averaged 13 points a game during the regular season, but his name will now live in eternity on UALR's campus.
ANALYSIS AND ODDS PREDICTION
The Cyclones covered a seven point spread against Iona and have now beaten the spread in three straight. Iowa St moved to 4-2 ATS in neutral site games as well with the win. Iowa St and Iona played their game over the total and the over in Iowa St games away from Ames is now 10-7 for the year.
Arkansas-Little Rock had a great season ATS wise with a 20-10 mark and has now covered seven of its last ten including its upset win over Purdue. The under had cashed in the last three of the Trojans' games before their double overtime game in the first round sailed over the total.
These teams both have glaring strengths and weaknesses. Arkansas-Little Rock is a solid three-point shooting team that plays great defense, but was dominated on the glass by Purdue even though the Trojans are a mid-major team with size.
Meanwhile, Iowa St can score with anyone in the nation and has a fantastic starting lineup but there is no depth behind those starters. The Trojans were very fortunate to make the comeback they did and should probably be out right now, while the Cyclones were in control most of the game.
Look for the Cyclones to jump out to a double digit lead early and hold on after a late push from the Trojans.
Iowa State 78, Arkansas-Little Rock 70
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BookMaker's live betting platform means you always have access to odds and lines to every sporting event. Click here and start wagering today! The game between the Iowa State Cyclones and the Arkansas-Little Rock Trojans is scheduled for Saturday, March 19, 2016 at 6:10 at the Pepsi Center in Denver. The game will be televised nationally on TNT.
