---

Iowa State vs. Iona picks for the NCAA Tournament’s Midwest Region first-round game.

---

The Mayor Fred Hoiberg might be coaching in the NBA, but Iowa State is still doing work. The Cyclones were strong all season long before falling late to some of the Big 12’s big dogs – namely Kansas, Oklahoma and West Virginia. They’re more than battle tested thanks to a ridiculously tough conference slate.

Ah, Iona. The Gaels are a trendy upset pick in this year’s NCAA Tournament thanks to the fact that they bounced darling Monmouth in the MAAC Tournament. They love to get up and down the court. Win or lose in the first round, Iona will be entertaining as all get out.

Regarding the Iowa State vs. Iona picks, here’s what the Campus Insiders experts have come up with.

Iowa State vs. Iona Picks

Pete Fiutak

The Gaels can crank up the offense as well as anyone in the tournament. Red hot, they’ll light it up from inside and out to shock Iowa State out of the first round, and maybe even Purdue in the second.

Ray Crawford

Instead of Monmouth, we get the team that beat them. Are the Gaels Cinderella or one of the ugly step sisters? Going with the latter as Iowa State advances.

Shae Peppler

Steve Prohm has picked up exactly where Fred Hoiberg left off. Not a lot of depth, but a lot of talent. Cyclones advance.

Ken Bikoff

The Cyclones will control the tempo and simply outrun Iona.

Jordan Cornette

There is no ”D” in Iowa State. Iona’s AJ English III is the difference maker as the Gaels pull off the upset. 

More NCAA Tournament: Midwest Region Preview And Winner Pick