Iowa State vs. Lipscomb: Expert Predictions for the 2025 NCAA Tournament First Round

The electrifying atmosphere of March Madness is upon us, and the 2025 NCAA Tournament is already delivering the drama and excitement that fans crave. Friday brings another slate of compelling first-round matchups, and among them is a David-versus-Goliath clash in the South Region: the high-flying Iowa State Cyclones against the upstart Lipscomb Bisons.

Iowa State, a perennial power in the Big 12 Conference, enters the tournament as a 3-seed, boasting an impressive 24-9 record. Their consistent performance throughout the regular season solidified their position as a team to watch in this year’s tournament. Under the guidance of their experienced coach, the Cyclones have honed a balanced attack, characterized by a potent offense and a stifling defense that can frustrate even the most skilled opponents. Their journey through the always-challenging Big 12 has prepared them for the intensity and pressure of March Madness.

On the other side of the court, the Lipscomb Bisons arrive in the Big Dance as a 14-seed, riding a wave of momentum after capturing the ASun conference tournament title. Their 25-9 record reflects their dominance within their conference, and they are eager to prove that they can compete on the national stage. The Bisons are known for their high-octane offense and their fearless approach to the game. They thrive on playing with pace and pushing the tempo, hoping to catch their opponents off guard. While their conference schedule may not have presented the same level of competition as Iowa State’s, their confidence and determination cannot be underestimated.

The analytical edge, according to KenPom rankings, firmly favors Iowa State. The Cyclones are ranked as the 10th-best team in the nation, a testament to their overall strength and efficiency. Their offense ranks 20th nationally, showcasing their ability to score points from various sources. However, it’s their defense that truly sets them apart, ranking ninth in the country. This defensive prowess allows them to control the tempo of games and disrupt opponents’ offensive flow. Lipscomb, in contrast, is ranked 83rd overall, with the 75th-ranked offense and 100th-ranked defense. These rankings highlight the significant gap in overall team strength between the two programs.

So, how do the experts see this Round of 64 matchup unfolding? According to USA TODAY’s panel of experts, it appears to be a clean sweep for Iowa State. None of their experts are predicting an outright upset by Lipscomb. The overwhelming consensus is that Iowa State’s superior talent and experience will ultimately prevail. However, there is some debate about whether Lipscomb can keep the game close enough to cover the 14.5-point spread.

Craig Meyer and Mike Organ from The Tennessean are both predicting that Lipscomb will not only cover the spread but that the game will also go under the 143.5-point total. This suggests that they anticipate a slower-paced, more defensive-oriented game than many might expect. They believe that Lipscomb’s coaching staff will devise a game plan to limit Iowa State’s scoring opportunities and that the Bisons’ defense will be able to hold their own, at least enough to keep the final margin within the spread.

This prediction is a contrarian view, as many analysts might expect Iowa State to run away with the game, given their superior ranking and talent. However, Meyer and Organ’s analysis suggests that they see value in Lipscomb’s ability to compete and make the game more competitive than the spread indicates.

For those looking to catch the game, it will be broadcast on Sling TV. The odds, as of Wednesday, March 19, via BetMGM, reflect Iowa State’s status as a heavy favorite.

The excitement surrounding March Madness extends beyond just watching the games. USA TODAY is offering a Bracket Challenge contest with a chance to win a $1 million prize. This provides fans with an opportunity to test their knowledge of college basketball and compete against others for bragging rights and a substantial reward. Furthermore, USA TODAY is also offering expert analysis on tournament bold predictions and upset picks, providing fans with valuable insights to help them make informed decisions when filling out their brackets.

In conclusion, the Iowa State vs. Lipscomb matchup presents an intriguing clash of styles and talent levels. While the experts overwhelmingly favor Iowa State to advance to the next round, there is a dissenting opinion suggesting that Lipscomb may be able to cover the spread and keep the game competitive. Regardless of the outcome, this game promises to be a compelling chapter in the unfolding drama of the 2025 NCAA Tournament. The pressure is on Iowa State to live up to their ranking, while Lipscomb will be looking to prove that they belong on the national stage. The stage is set for a memorable game.