Expect a hoops chess match between Kyle Smith and TJ Otzelberger, but the Cougs will take their chances after outplaying slick Drake in the final minutes of a 66-61 grinder. As vedrsatile 6-9 Idaho transfer Isaac Jones (15.5 ppg; 78.5 rpg) has bossed the paint, the Cougars have a legit interior presence, and if just one among Gs Myles Rice (14.9 ppg) or Jaylen Wells (12.3 ppg) is on the mark, the WSU offense usually clicks. Remember, the Cougs were good enough to beat Arizona twice, and are 7-1-1 their last nine as a dog. Note the Cyclone intersectional slate was very modest, and their Big 12 pedigree has yet to overwhelm thoughout first round of the Dance. Play WSU (NCAA at Omaha)

The Cyclones have not let up on the gas at all from their Big 12 Tournament tear, and their top gear is more than capable of putting together another double-digit win. Washington State stormed back after Drake left the door open late in the second half, and Iowa State isn’t the kind of team that would let that happen.