The 23rd-ranked Iowa Hawkeyes (10-3, 1-1 Big 10) will clash against the 21st-ranked Penn State Nittany Lions (11-2, 1-1 Big 10) at Palestra. The game gets underway at 2 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 4, 2020.
Iowa Hawkeyes vs. Penn State Nittany Lions Betting Odds
Both teams had no trouble getting past their last opponent. The Nittany Lions defeated the Cornell Big Red 90-59, while the Hawkeyes beat the Kennesaw State Owls 93-51.
The Hawkeyes had a superb turnover percentage of 8.8 (better than their season average of 14.6) and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.646 (above their season average of 0.516). The Nittany Lions, meanwhile, had an extraordinary offensive rebounding percentage of 50.0 (above their season average of 31.7), while the Big Red had a turnover percentage of 22.2 (above their season average of 15.7). Penn State’s Mike Watkins had a good outing, recording 19 points and 10 rebounds. Iowa was led by Luka Garza, who had 23 points and eight rebounds.
The Hawkeyes won the lone contest between these two teams last year, 89-82. Iowa’s free throw rate was their biggest strength over Penn State. The Hawkeyes had a rate of 0.203, while the Nittany Lions posted a mark of 0.156. This is the first time these teams will clash this year.
It might turn into a high-scoring affair as two of the nation’s best offenses clash. Penn State ranks 57th with 109.9 points per 100 possessions and Iowa is 12th (113.9).
Iowa vs. Penn State Pick
Free College Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Iowa, ATS Winner – Iowa, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Penn State averages 16.1 assists per game, which ranks 32nd in the NCAA. Iowa ranks 166th in assists allowed per game (13.7).
- The Nittany Lions average 41.5 rebounds per game, which ranks 19th in the NCAA. The Hawkeyes rank 115th in rebounds allowed per game (34.5).
- Penn State ranks 21st in steals per game (9.2) while Iowa ranks 90th (7.2).
- The Nittany Lions rank 43rd in three pointers attempted per game (26.2) while the Hawkeyes rank 165th in three pointers allowed per game (22.9).
- Penn State averages 6.4 blocks per game, which ranks eighth in the nation. Iowa ranks 120th in blocks allowed per game (3.9).
Bettings Trends:
- The Nittany Lions’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 7.4, down from 14.5 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Hawkeyes have scored an average of 83.4 points per game (2.6 above their season average) and allowed an average of 68.8 points per game (0.1 below their season average).
