#6 Tennessee vs. #2 Iowa State Picks and Predictions: Sweet 16
Written by: Nate Hornung
Published: Thu Mar 26, 2026, 10:15 pm ET
Read Time: 6 minutes
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The final matchup of the Sweet 16 happens in the Midwest Region as the Tennessee Volunteers face the Iowa State Cyclones. Rick Barnes has led his team to two wins this tournament, but now they face a very tough defense as they go up against TJ Otzelberger and the Iowa State Cyclones. The Volunteers beat the Houston Cougars, who have a comparable defense, earlier in the season. But now the stakes are even higher, and Iowa State will not back down. Check out how our CBB experts are betting on this game with their favorite picks.
Check out our March Madness Betting Guide to get in on all the action this month!
Best Bet: Iowa State -4 (-108) Lucky Rebel Sportsbook
Go check out what else I've got on my daily card, and view the latest odds at the best online sportsbooks.
#6 Tennessee Volunteers vs. #2 Iowa State Cyclones NCAA Basketball Insights
Ja'Kobi Gillespie will need to keep his composure when facing the Cyclones' defense
Both teams are very good at stopping their opponent from scoring, but I trust the Cyclones offense just a little bit more. Tennessee beat a very good Virginia team last round, but I would argue that facing Kentucky without Joshua Jefferson was a bigger test for the team from Ames. With rumors of him returning to the court, that makes it even easier for Iowa State to size up the Volunteer's front court.
And how much do we really trust Rick Barnes in March? Sure they are looking to get to their third straight Elite Eight, but Barnes hasn't gone past the regional final since he was coaching at Texas in 2003. Yes, Iowa State hasn't seen a Final Four since 1944, but the culture Otzelberger has brought to this team has me thinking they could dance all the way to Indianapolis.
Matchup Information – Tennessee vs. Iowa State – March 27
- Venue & Location: United Center (Chicago, IL)
- Date: Friday, March 27, 2026
- Tip Off: 10:10 p.m. Eastern
- Broadcast: TBS/truTV
Tennessee vs. Iowa State Betting Odds
Odds are courtesy of Lucky Rebel, one of our favorite online sportsbooks, as of March 26, 2026 at 9:28 p.m. eastern. Sign up today with and get a $1,250 deposit bonus, as well as 50 slot spins immediately. Lucky Rebel Sportsbook offers a wide variety of unique markets across nearly every sport imaginable.
Spread
- Tennessee +4 (-112)
- Iowa State -4 (-108)
Moneyline
- Tennessee +149
- Iowa State -182
Total
- Over 139.5 (-110)
- Under 139.5 (-110)
#6 Tennessee vs. #2 Iowa State NCAA Basketball Picks and Predictions
Can Iowa State find a way to beat the Volunteers and make the Elite Eight?
Tennessee vs. Iowa State Prediction: Iowa State Wins and Covers, Under 139.5
Best Bet: Iowa State -4 (-108) Lucky Rebel Sportsbook
Give me the Cyclones in this game. They are playing on a different level right now, and I don't think Rick Barnes, on a neutral site that might feel like an away game, will be able to stop them. This train is cruising to the Elite Eight, and there's not a damn thing you can do to stop them.
Iowa State is in the top 20 in adjusted efficiency on both sides of the basketball, they rebound well, and rank top five in turnovers forced. They also get in your face defensively without fouling, as they are top 35 in FT Rate defense. That will certainly come into play. The offense has been booming, as they rank top 10 in 3P% and top 50 in 2P%. If the offense is clicking, which it has been, the defense is more than good enough to lead them to victory.
Tennessee will try to slow things down, but I don't know how much success they will have. They rank No. 223 in turnover rate and are outside the top 150 in effective FG% as well. Simply put, they don't have the offense to keep up in a shootout. Neither team can make their free throws, but I trust the Cyclones' shooting ability much more than the Vols in what will probably be a low scoring game.
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Check Out the Other March Madness Content from Betting News
For college basketball bettors, March Madness is the most wonderful time of the year. And at Betting News, we have you covered for this festively fun season with expert picks throughout the tournament from Nate Hornung and Eddie Griffin, consensus picks for every March Madness game from the First Four to the Final Four, a rundown of the best March Madness betting sites, and more.
Also, through our streams and social media channels, you can get even more insight from Nate and other members of the Betting News team, as well as offer your own thoughts and tips for the tournament.
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