Iowa State basketball vs Michigan prediction: Who has edge in NCAA Tournament first round?

After dispatching Princeton on Wednesday in the First Four, 11-seed Iowa State women's basketball is set to continue its NCAA Tournament run on Friday against 6-seed Michigan. Tip-off is slated for 10:30 a.m. CT.

The Cyclones struggled early on in the season, but have been playing some of their best basketball in recent weeks. Following Wednesday's 68-63 victory over the Tigers, confidence is likely running high inside the locker room.

Let's take a look at what Iowa State will have to do to take down the Wolverines on Friday to keep their national title hopes alive.

Iowa State women's basketball star Audi Crooks needs to have a big game

The sophomore from Algona has been a fan favorite since she first set foot on the hardwood in Ames. Last year in the NCAA Tournament, she announced her presence on the national level, nearly willing the Cyclones to the Sweet 16, but falling just short.

This year she's been stellar, averaging a team-high 23.2 points per night while also adding 7.6 boards per night ahead of the NCAA Tournament. On Wednesday against Princeton, she posted 27 points. She'll need to match or build on that performance Friday against Michigan.

Buy Iowa State NCAA tickets vs. Michigan

Michigan women's basketball will be ready for a battle

The Wolverines (22-10) are the 6-seed for a reason. They are a very good team and have three players averaging over 13 points per night. Freshman Mia Holloway, who is averaging 16.1 points per game and 4.3 assists per contest, might be able to make her own Crooks-like moment and announce herself to the college basketball world in March.

Michigan should be feeling confident heading into this game too. Before getting knocked out of the Big Ten Tournament by Juju Watkins and USC, they took down No. 14 Maryland. They have three wins over top-25 teams on the season and nearly took down reigning national champion South Carolina in the season opener.

Iowa State vs Michigan prediction in NCAA Tournament first round

The Cyclones have looked good recently and took down an overmatched Ivy League foe in the First Four. But now things get real and a well-rested, well-rounded Michigan team will be just too much for Iowa State to keep up with.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Iowa State vs Michigan prediction, pick for March Madness first round

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