Iowa State Cyclones vs Ole Miss Rebels Picks and Predictions March 23rd 2025

Ole Miss Meets Iowa State in Tough Second-Round Test

Ole Miss will need a full 40-minute effort Sunday when it takes on a surging Iowa State squad in the second round of the NCAA Tournament’s South Region in Milwaukee.

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Rebels Survive, Advance After Near Collapse

The sixth-seeded Rebels (23-11) dominated early in Friday’s first-round win over North Carolina, building a 22-point second-half lead. But Ole Miss had to survive a late charge from the Tar Heels, who trimmed the deficit to two before Sean Pedulla’s clutch 3-pointer sealed a 71-64 victory.

Pedulla led all scorers with 20 points, while Dre Davis added 15. The Rebels showcased their balance, with five players averaging double figures this season, led by Pedulla’s 15.0 points and 123 assists.

Chris Beard’s team is making its first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2019. Now, the Rebels are aiming to reach their first Sweet 16 since 2001.

Cyclones Look Locked In Without Gilbert

Iowa State (25-9), the No. 3 seed, looked unfazed in Friday’s 82-55 dismantling of Lipscomb. The Cyclones shot 58.3 percent from the field and outscored the Bisons 50-20 in the paint despite playing without second-leading scorer Keshon Gilbert, who’s out for the tournament with a groin injury.

Milan Momcilovic stepped up with 20 points on 4-of-8 shooting from 3-point range, while Curtis Jones added 17. Jones leads the Cyclones in scoring at 17.1 points per game, with Joshua Jefferson (12.9 ppg, 7.4 rpg) and Tamin Lipsey (10.8 ppg) rounding out the core.

“I know this — one of the best teams in college basketball, period,” Beard said of Iowa State. “Defensive identity, really good coach, and a lot of talented players that we’ve been following for years.”

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Both Teams Eye Sweet 16 Berth

The winner of Sunday’s matchup will earn a spot in the Sweet 16, where Iowa State has advanced seven times since 1986, including last year. Ole Miss is trying to break a two-decade drought.

The contrast in styles could define the matchup. Iowa State thrives on defense and interior dominance, while Ole Miss relies on balanced scoring and Pedulla’s playmaking. If the Rebels can avoid another late-game letdown, they’ll have a shot at pulling the upset.

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