Indiana Hoosiers Vs. Wyoming Cowboys Odds, Picks, and Predictions (3/15/22)

The second play-in game on Tuesday night will feature the Indiana Hoosiers versus the Wyoming Cowboys. The game will be in Dayton, only a few hours from downtown Indianapolis. Essentially, this will be as close to a home game for the Hoosiers as possible short of being in Assembly Hall. Keep an eye on Trayce Jackson-Davis, who could catapult himself into the late-first or early second round of the NBA Draft if he leads this team far in the tournament.

Indiana Hoosiers Vs. Wyoming Cowboys Betting Odds

Indiana Hoosiers Betting Odds

The Hoosiers have hit their stride at quite literally the perfect time. There are plenty of terrific teams in the NCAA, but few can play their best basketball at the right moment. Indiana desperately needed at least one win in the Big 10 Tournament to solidify its March Madness odds. Interestingly enough, by the Hoosiers being forced to compete in a play-in game, it’s clear that the committee believed they needed to not only beat Michigan but Illinois as well in the Big 10 Tournament. The Hoosiers lost on a near half-court heave to the Iowa Hawkeyes, who ended up winning the whole tournament. Despite my fandom, most would agree that their playing in this game is blasphemy. Regardless, the Hoosiers are red-hot; something clicked at halftime of the Michigan game, and with their stout, stifling defense, anything can happen in March. Their main issue was guard play the entire season, but Rob Phinisee and Xavier Johnson have recently stepped up and played terrifically. Watch out for this team.

Wyoming Cowboys Betting Odds

While the Cowboys may not frequent the NCAA Tournament as much as some other teams, they are not to be underestimated as a No. 12 seed. On the season, Wyoming boasts an impressive 25-8 record in a highly competitive Mountain West league this year. Unfortunately, Wyoming is 4-5 in its past nine games; however, most losses are justifiable. Still, the Cowboys have some offensive firepower, led by forward Graham Ike and guard Hunter Maldonado, who each average over 18 points per game. Ike is a force, posting nearly 20 points and ten rebounds every night. There are few players at any level capable of doing that. Wyoming is a dangerous team because of how well it defends the three-point line, ranking 31st in opponent 3P% (three-point percentage.) The bad news for the Cowboys is that Indiana hardly relies on its perimeter shooting to win games.

Indiana Hoosiers Vs. Wyoming Cowboys Picks & Prediction

The first point to make when considering who to pick in this game is that it is basically a home game for Indiana. Wyoming can’t possibly travel very well given the distance, while I know for a fact that Indiana will. It’s close to home. Additionally, the Hoosiers are on absolute fire and can do virtually no wrong. They will almost certainly take the committee’s decision to throw them in a play-in game, which is sometimes necessary for all things, including sport. The only teams that can beat the Hoosiers right now are elite three-point shooting teams like the Iowa Hawkeyes. Even then, they gave the game away. Wyoming is outmatched, and I will take Indiana as four-point favorites or better.

March Madness Bracket