The 21st-ranked Iowa Hawkeyes (19-5, 8-5 Big 10) will be at the Louis Brown Athletic Center to take on the Rutgers Scarlet Knights (12-12, 5-9 Big 10) in a Big 10 matchup. Action begins at 6 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 16, 2019.
Iowa Hawkeyes vs. Rutgers Scarlet Knights Betting Odds
Both teams barely escaped their last opponent. The Scarlet Knights defeated the Northwestern Wildcats 59-56, while the Hawkeyes beat the Northwestern Wildcats 80-79.
The Hawkeyes made 19 of their 25 free throws (76.0 percent), while the Wildcats had a turnover percentage of 19.0 (above their season average of 14.9). The Scarlet Knights, meanwhile, held the Wildcats to an offensive rebounding percentage of 13.5 (below their season average of 25.9) and an effective field goal percentage of 0.427 (below their season average of 0.480). Rutgers was led by Geo Baker, who recorded 12 points, five rebounds and five assists. Meanwhile, Tyler Cook played well for Iowa, recording 19 points and 11 rebounds.
The Scarlet Knights won the sole contest between these two teams last year, 80-64. Rutgers’ 0.278 free throw rate was their largest strength over Iowa, who had a mark of 0.131. This will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams.
Rutgers could have difficulty getting to the charity stripe in this matchup. The Scarlet Knights currently rank 303rd in the nation with a free throw attempt (FTA) rate of 0.195, while Iowa ranks 52nd in FTA rate allowed (0.195).
Iowa Hawkeyes at Rutgers Scarlet Knights ATS Pick
College Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – Rutgers, ATS Winner – Rutgers, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Iowa ranks 21st in assists per game (16.3) while Rutgers ranks 192nd (12.4).
- The Hawkeyes rank 160th in three pointers attempted per game (22.2) while the Scarlet Knights rank 234th (20.0).
- Iowa averages 6.7 steals per game, which ranks 97th in the NCAA. Rutgers ranks 136th in steals allowed per game (6.7).
- The Hawkeyes rank eighth in blocks allowed per game (2.1) while the Scarlet Knights rank 113th (3.4).
- Rutgers ranks 22nd in rebounds per game (39.7) while Iowa ranks 126th (35.8).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Scarlet Knights have scored an average of 69.2 points per game (1.6 above their season average) and allowed an average of 73.2 points per game (5.2 above their season average).
- The Hawkeyes’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 0.2, down from 8.5 for the season.
