Iowa State Cyclones guard Tamin Lipsey (3)celebrates with forward Joshua Jefferson (5) and forward Milan Momcilovic (22) after a three-point play during the second half on Jan. 2, 2026, at Hilton Coliseum in Ames, Iowa.
Nirmalendu Majumdar/Ames Tribune / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Kentucky vs Iowa State Prediction 3/22/2026 Today’s College Basketball Picks

Pick details

MATCHUP Kentucky Wildcats Iowa State Cyclones
Team Records 22-13 28-7
Spread +4.5 -105 -4.5 -115
Moneyline +180 -218
Total Over 145.5 (-110) Under 145.5 (-110)
Where Iowa State Stadium
When Sunday, March 22, 2026
Time 02:45 PM EDT
TV CBS

The Kentucky Wildcats and Iowa State Cyclones meet Sunday in the college basketball NCAA Tournament at the Enterprise Center. Here’s a Kentucky vs. Iowa State Prediction. This article will include a Kentucky vs. Iowa State Pick.

Kentucky Wildcats Betting Preview


The Kentucky Wildcats lost to Florida and beat Santa Clara. Kentucky has split its last 12 games.

The Kentucky Wildcats are averaging 84 points on 46.6 percent shooting and allowing 76.2 points on 42.3 percent shooting. Otega Oweh is averaging 18.7 points and 4.7 rebounds, while Denzel Aberdeen is averaging 13.3 points and 2.5 rebounds. Collin Chandler is the third double-digit scorer and Mouhamed Dioubate is grabbing 5.6 rebounds. The Kentucky Wildcats are shooting 34.9 percent from beyond the arc and 72.3 percent from the free throw line. The Kentucky Wildcats are allowing 32.1 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 35.7 rebounds per game.

Iowa State Cyclones Betting Preview


The Iowa State Cyclones beat Tennessee State and lost to Arizona. Iowa State has won 10 of its last 15 games.

The Iowa State Cyclones are averaging 81.8 points on 49 percent shooting and allowing 65.2 points on 42.8 percent shooting. Milan Momcilovic is averaging 17.1 points and 1 assist, while Joshua Jefferson is averaging 16.4 points and 7.4 rebounds. Tamin Lipsey is the third double-digit scorer and Killyan Toure is grabbing 3.4 rebounds. The Iowa State Cyclones are shooting 38.7 percent from beyond the arc and 67.2 percent from the free throw line. The Iowa State Cyclones are allowing 32.1 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 32.4 rebounds per game.

Why the Iowa State Cyclones will win

  • Iowa State has won each of its last 12 day games against non-Conference opponents.
  • Kentucky has lost seven of its last eight day games against AP-ranked opponents at a neutral venue.
  • Kentucky has lost the first half in each of its last six games against Top 10 AP-ranked opponents.

Why the Kentucky Wildcats will win

  • Kentucky has won 11 of its last 12 games after coming off overtime.
  • Iowa State has lost four of its last five day games against the Southeastern Conference.

Total Points Facts

  • Twelve of Kentucky’s last 14 day games against AP-ranked opponents have produced a total of 158+ points.
  • Four of Iowa State’s last five NCAA Tournament games against Top 8 seeds have produced a total of 141 or fewer points.

Matchup/League Facts

  • Iowa State ranks 8th among Division 1 teams for opponent turnovers per game this season (15.3).
  • Iowa State ranks 10th among Division 1 teams for defensive rating this season (97.1).
  • Kentucky ranks 50th among Division 1 teams for blocks per game this season (4.3).

Kentucky vs Iowa State Prediction


Kentucky has the athleticism to hang around and the injury to Joshua Jefferson doesn’t bode well for Iowa State moving forward. Kentucky should also be a loose team after looking elimination in the face and surviving. However, Iowa State is just too consistent to bet against with the small number. Iowa State has torched teams this season and is 22-13 ATS on the season. We’ve also seen Kentucky come up small in big games this season. I haven’t forgotten the Louisville, Michigan State, Gonzaga, UNC, Alabama, etc. games. There have been endless games this season where Kentucky has been outclassed by good opponents. Iowa State is a good title contender, so we’ll see which Kentucky team shows up. Give me Iowa State.

Randy Chambers's Pick: Iowa State -4.5