Tennessee vs Iowa State Prediction 3/27/26 College Basketball Picks Today
Tennessee (24-11) vs. Iowa State (29-7)
March 27, 2026 10:10 pm EDT
The Line: Iowa State -4.5; Over/Under: 140.5
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In this article, we will formulate a Tennessee vs Iowa State Prediction for this NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 matchup on Friday, March 27th. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this college basketball matchup.
Iowa State Cyclones Preview
The Iowa State Cyclones have a 29-7 overall record and a 12-6 record in the Big 12. They are coming off an 82-63 win against Kentucky and their previous three games were a 108-74 win against Tennessee State, an 82-80 loss against Arizona and a 75-53 win against Texas Tech.
Offensively, Iowa State averages 82.5 points per game, while allowing 65.3 points per game defensively. The Cyclones shoot with 49% from the field and grab 35.7 rebounds per game, while dishing out 17.4 assists per game. They average 2.7 blocks per game and 9.1 steals per game defensively.
Milan Momcilovic leads Iowa State in scoring, with an average of 17.2 points per game, while shooting with 51.2% from the field and 87.8% from the free throw line. Joshua Jefferson is the team’s leading rebounder with 7.4 per game. Tamin Lipsey leads the team in assists with 5.1 per game.
Tennessee Volunteers Preview
The Tennessee Volunteers have a 24-11 overall record and an 11-7 record in the SEC. They are coming off a 79-72 win against Virginia and their previous three games were a 78-56 win against Miami (OH), a 75-68 loss against Vanderbilt and a 72-62 win against Auburn.
Offensively, Tennessee averages 79.4 points per game, while allowing 69.1 points per game defensively. The Volunteers shoot with 46% from the field and grab 42.5 rebounds per game, while dishing out 17.1 assists per game. They average 3.6 blocks per game and 7.3 steals per game defensively.
Ja’Kobi Gillespie leads Tennessee in scoring, with an average of 18.4 points per game, while shooting with 41.2% from the field and 81.3% from the free throw line, adding a team-high 5.6 assists. Nate Ament is the team’s leading rebounder with 6.4 per game.
Tennessee Volunteers @ Iowa State Cyclones Betting Trends: March 27, 2026
Why the Iowa State Cyclones will win
- Iowa State has won each of its last 15 games against non-Conference opponents.
- Tennessee has lost four of its last five games as an AP-ranked team against an AP-ranked team.
- Iowa State has won the first half in each of its last seven games played at neutral venues.
Why the Tennessee Volunteers will win
- Tennessee has won each of its last seven NCAA Tournament night games.
- Iowa State has lost each of its last four games against teams with an AP Ranking of 23.
- Tennessee has won the first half in each of its last 10 night games.
Total Points Facts
- Each of Iowa State’s last five games against the Southeastern Conference have produced a total of 142+ points.
- Each of Tennessee’s last four games against teams with an AP Ranking of 6 have produced a total of 141+ points.
Matchup/League Facts
- Iowa State ranks T1st for points off turnovers per game (24.0) during this season’s NCAA Tournament.
- Iowa State ranks 1st for steals per game (10.5) among the remaining teams in this season’s NCAA Tournament.
- Tennessee ranks T1st for bench points per game (15.0) among the remaining teams in this season’s NCAA Tournament.
- Tennessee has recorded more assists than turnovers in two games during this season’s NCAA Tournament – equal-most of any team.
Tennessee vs Iowa State Prediction
In this Tennessee vs Iowa State Prediction, Iowa State is coming as -4.5 favorites. Iowa State has been the better team this season with a better overall record and are superior against the spread, with a 23-13 ATS record, compared to Tennessee’s 16-19. They are 5-1 in their last 6 games and a perfect 6-0 against the spread, while Tennessee is 4-4 both straight up and against the spread in its last 8. Iowa State also has the edge both on the offensive and the defensive end and I like them to cover this short number in this matchup and advance to the Elite 8.