The 19th-ranked Iowa Hawkeyes (13-5, 4-3 Big 10) and their sensational offense host the 24th-ranked Rutgers Scarlet Knights (14-4, 5-2 Big 10) and their stifling defense. Action gets underway at 9 p.m. ET on Wednesday, January 22, 2020.
Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Iowa Hawkeyes Betting Odds
Both teams were victorious over their last opponent. The Hawkeyes defeated the 19th-ranked Michigan Wolverines 90-83, while the Scarlet Knights beat the Minnesota Golden Gophers 64-56.
The Scarlet Knights, who came into the game averaging an offensive rebounding percentage of 33.8, had an absurd mark of 47.6 and had a turnover percentage of 9.3 (better than their season average of 17.0). Meanwhile, Iowa played a nearly perfect game. They had a fantastic free throw rate of 0.509 (above their season average of 0.237) and an offensive rebounding percentage of 32.1 (below their season average of 33.6). Michigan had marks of 0.059 and 17.1, respectively, for those same stats. Luka Garza fueled Iowa with 33 points and seven rebounds. Meanwhile, Rutgers received a boost from Caleb McConnell, who recorded 10 points and 12 rebounds.
This was a highly competitive series last year. Each won one of the two games played against each other last season. The Scarlet Knights won the most recent matchup 86-72. Rutgers had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.602 vs. 0.429). Iowa, on the other hand, had a much better free throw rate (0.429 vs. 0.254). This is the first time these teams will clash this year.
This battle pits one of the nation’s top offenses against one of its elite defenses. Iowa ranks eighth in offensive efficiency and Rutgers is eighth in defensive efficiency.
Rutgers Scarlet Knights vs. Iowa Hawkeyes Free Pick
College Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – Iowa, ATS Winner – Rutgers, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Iowa ranks 118th in three pointers attempted per game (22.9) while Rutgers ranks 273rd (17.3).
- The Scarlet Knights rank ninth in rebounds per game (41.5) while the Hawkeyes rank 103rd in rebounds allowed per game (34.2).
- Rutgers ranks 90th in steals per game (7.0) while Iowa ranks 107th in steals allowed per game (6.4).
- The Hawkeyes rank fourth in assists per game (18.3) while the Scarlet Knights rank 108th (13.6).
- Rutgers ranks 27th in blocks per game (4.9) while Iowa ranks 130th in blocks allowed per game (3.8).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Scarlet Knights have scored an average of 65.0 points per game (6.0 below their season average) and allowed an average of 56.6 points per game (2.1 below their season average).
- The Hawkeyes’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 5.8, down from 10.2 for the season.
