Community Picks: Iowa State 0% vs West Virginia 0%

Slaying the sportsbook is a monstrous task. Some days bettors take up residence in a penthouse suite. Other times, they curl up in the nearest ditch, shirtless and toothless. In an attempt to avoid complete destitution, I will post my picks, whether profitable or penniless, through the NCAA tourney. Check out Monday's selections below:  Iowa St. (19-8, 12-11 ATS) at West Virginia (20-7, 14-10)  – WVU should be nicknamed the Platypuses. Its nonstop press and dogged approach to rebounding makes it truly unique. Bob Huggins' bunch ranks No. 1 nationally in offensive rebounding percentage and No. 2 in turnover percentage defense. Though it's dropped three of four, Jerry West U should bounce back with authority Monday night.  Iowa St.'s formula is attack, attack, attack. Floor general Monte Morris pumps the pistons for the Cyclones. His fleet feet, dribble penetration and scoring ability opens up the offense. As a result, Georges Niang exploits generous one-on-one matchups, Jameel McKay slams home exclamation points and Matt Thomas and Abdel Nader swish moneyballs from downtown. Collectively, the Cyclones net 1.208 points per possession.  Jaysean Paige and Devin Williams brutalized Iowa St. in the first matchup at Ames, an 81-76 win for WVU. In that game, the Cyclones committed a season-high 16 turnovers and allowed 17 offensive rebounds. if similar mistakes are made, the Mountaineers cruise to a home cover.  Prediction: West Virginia (-5) 87 Iowa St. 78 Continue to Article

February 22, 2016 9:55:am EST

After consecutive losses put a dent in West Virginia's Big 12 title hopes, coach Bob Huggins is focused on getting the Mountaineers healthy enough for a late-season push. Poor shooting and rebounding led to their demise over the weekend, but that certainly wasn't the case earlier this month when they dealt No. 13 Iowa State only its sixth loss in 75 home games. With Daxter Miles Jr. day to day and Jaysean Paige hurting, No. 10 West Virginia hopes to replicate that performance and sweep the regular-season series from the visiting Cyclones on Monday night. Continue to Article

February 21, 2016 9:13:pm EST

AMES, Iowa (AP) -- Georges Niang scored 27 points, Abdel Nader had 24 and 13th-ranked Iowa State held off TCU 92-83 on Saturday night to move within a victory of its fifth straight 20-win season. Continue to Article

February 20, 2016 9:50:pm EST

Iowa State has essentially seen its way out of the Big 12 regular-season race, and the Top 25 figures be a thing of the past as well with another loss. After Tuesday's 100-91 overtime loss at No. 25 Baylor, losses are mounting for Iowa State (18-8, 7-6), though they're coming often with perfectly adequate shooting efforts. "Everybody talks offense, offense, offense," coach Steve Prohm said. Continue to Article

February 19, 2016 9:49:pm EST