Friday, March 28, 7:27 PM on TBS

Madison Square Garden, New York, New York

Opening Lines & Odds - Iowa State -1 -- Over/Under: 146.5

For Updated Odds on This Game Click Here

Two teams playing as if 2014 is a season of destiny meet up Friday at 7:27ET in the Sweet 16 of the East bracket. 7th seeded UConn (28-8) takes on #3 Iowa State in a rematch of a 2012 1st round game which ISU won 77-64 to end the Huskies' season.

Iowa State finally conquered their second round demons that have knocked them out of the last two tournaments. The Cyclones dominated NC Central 93-75 in round one before squeaking by UNC in round two 85-83 in a game that ended somewhat controversial. Georges Niang scored 24 points in the opening game but broke his foot and will miss the rest of the tournament. DeAndre Kane picked up the slack against the Tar Heels dropping in 24 points while Melvin Ejim added 19. The loss of Niang will hurt but ISU has shown they are more than prepared to trudge along.

The Huskies had to go to overtime against St. Joe's in their opening round matchup but were still able to cover the -5 spread in an 89-81 win. Round 2 saw a matchup with #2 seed Villanova in which the Huskies were 4 point underdogs but escaped with the 77-65 outright win. Shabazz Napier has provided Husky fans shades of Kemba Walker when the guard put UConn on his back to win the 2011 tournament. Napier has scored 24 and 25 points in the first two tourney matchups with an eye towards 3 more games.

ISU has won 6 straight games and that hot streak has led them to be -1 favorites over Uconn.

ATS Trends

UConn is 19-16-0 ATS this season

UConn is 10-19-1 against the over/under this season

Iowa State is 18-15-0 ATS this season

Iowa State is 15-12-1 against the over/under this season

Injuries to Watch

UConn 

03/23/14 G Shabazz Napier Shin probable Friday vs. Iowa State
03/20/14 G Pat Lenehan Undisclosed questionable

Iowa State 

12/31/13 F Abdel Nader Eligibility out for season
12/31/13 G K.J. Bluford Personal has left team
03/21/14 F Georges Niang Foot out for season

Josh's Pick: Take UConn

Get $60 worth of FREE premium member picks. No Obligation. No Salesman. No Credit Card. Fast Sign up with Instant Access Click Here

Read more articles by Josh Schonwald