The Madness officially begins! The First Four tips off with an intriguing clash between the Iowa State Cyclones and the Princeton Tigers, two teams with contrasting styles ready to battle for a spot in the NCAA Women’s Tournament’s main bracket.
Matchup Overview
- Date: Wednesday, March 19
- Time: 7 PM ET
- Location: Purcell Pavilion, South Bend, IN
- Broadcast: ESPNU
- Spread: Iowa State -4.5
- Total: O/U 136.5
How They Stack Up 🤔
Iowa State Cyclones (19-11)
‣Offense: Iowa State enters the tournament with a 19-11 record, boasting one of the more dynamic offenses in the country. The Cyclones love to push the pace and put up points. Averaging 77.1 PPG, they rank among the top 30 in scoring nationwide. Their offense runs through Audi Crooks, a dominant presence in the post who can take over a game with her scoring ability. Their inside-out attack is fueled by this star post player and a solid supporting cast.
‣Defense: They allow 67.1 PPG, which isn’t elite, but they rely on their offense to outscore opponents.
Princeton Tigers (24-4)
‣Offense: The Tigers play a slow, methodical style, valuing efficiency and clock management. They don’t put up flashy numbers, but they execute well and force teams to play at their pace. Princeton enters with a 24-4 record and a completely different identity.
‣Defense: This is where they shine. Princeton has been one of the top defensive teams in the Ivy League, keeping opponents well under their season scoring averages. They allow just 55.1 points per game, ranking among the top defensive teams in the country. Madison St. Rose is their key offensive piece, leading the team in scoring, while Ellie Mitchell anchors the defense with her rebounding and shot-blocking ability. Princeton’s ability to control the tempo and make this a half-court game will be crucial if they want to pull off the upset.
Keys 🔑 to Game 🏀
This game will likely come down to pace. If Iowa State can dictate the tempo and turn this into a high-scoring affair, they have a significant advantage. But if Princeton slows things down and makes it a grind-it-out defensive battle, the Tigers could frustrate the Cyclones and make things interesting.
Players to Watch
‣Iowa State: Audi Crooks (C)
~A dominant force in the paint at 6’3”, showcasing her scoring ability and rebounding prowess. With her size and skill, she poses a significant challenge for Princeton’s defense, and they will need to strategize to contain her impact in the game.
‣Iowa State: Addy Brown (G/F)
~A dynamic playmaker for Iowa State, known for her ability to create scoring opportunities both for herself and her teammates. Standing at 5’11”, she possesses a versatile skill set that allows her to drive to the basket, shoot from the perimeter, and excel in transition. If she finds her rhythm, Iowa State’s offense will become even more potent, and Princeton will need to account for her every move.
‣Princeton: Madison St. Rose (G)
~A key offensive weapon for Princeton, known for her scoring ability and versatility on the perimeter. The 6’0” guard can create her own shot and is capable of taking over games, making her a constant threat on the offensive end. If she gets hot, Iowa State will need to keep a close eye on her to prevent her from impacting the game significantly.
‣Princeton: Ellie Mitchell (G)
~A dominant presence in the paint, standing at 6’1”. She excels at rebounding and shot-blocking, making her a crucial defensive anchor for the Tigers. With her ability to protect the rim and contribute on the boards, she will be a challenge for Iowa State’s offense to navigate.
Betting Breakdown & Best Bets
🔅Spread: Iowa State -4.5 → Princeton’s defense will make this tough, but Iowa State’s firepower should push them over the edge late.
🔅Total: Under 136.5 → Princeton will slow the game down, and if their defense holds up, this could be a grind-it-out affair.
🔅Player Prop: Audi Crooks Over 18.5 Points → She’s the most dominant scorer on the floor, and Princeton lacks the size to stop her.
🔅Final Prediction: Iowa State 69, Princeton 65
A defensive battle, but Iowa State pulls away late. Can Princeton’s elite defense pull off the upset? We’ll find out soon!
Who do you got winning this one? Do you trust Princeton’s defense, or is Iowa State’s offense too much? Drop your best bet in the comments and let’s cash together! #WMarchMadness #NCAAW #WFIRSTFour #SportsJuiceWithJu #Madness #SportsJuiceLounge #BetWithJuBoogie #WomensBasketball
