The Iowa Hawkeyes (8-4, 0-2 Big 10) welcome the Michigan Wolverines (11-3, 1-1 Big 10) in a matchup that pits great offense against stifling defense. The game is scheduled to start at 7 p.m. ET on Tuesday, January 2, 2018.
The Over/Under (O/U) for the game opened at 139.5 points with Michigan set as a 2-point favorite.
Michigan Wolverines at Iowa Hawkeyes Free Prediction
In the Wolverines’ last outing, they blew out the Jacksonville Dolphins, 76-51. The Wolverines had a phenomenal offensive rebounding percentage of 33.3 (above their season average of 26.7) and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.636 (above their season average of 0.563). Michigan was led by Charles Matthews, who contributed 18 points and seven rebounds.
The Hawkeyes easily got past the Northern Illinois Huskies in their last matchup, 98-75. The Hawkeyes had a much better free throw rate (0.226 vs. 0.101) and had a turnover percentage of 10.1 (better than their season average of 16.8). Luka Garza was the game’s leading scorer with 25 points on 8-for-8 shooting.
The game should be a battle of strength against strength as the high-octane offense of Iowa takes on the top-notch defense of Michigan. The Hawkeyes rank 48th in offensive efficiency, while the Wolverines are 28th in defensive efficiency. Additionally, the Wolverines rank 12th in turnover percentage (15.0 percent), while the Hawkeyes rank 269th in opponents’ turnover percentage (17.8 percent).
Michigan holds records of 11-3 straight up (SU) and 8-6 against the spread (ATS). Vegas is known to place the total high when the Wolverines are involved, as 64.3 percent of their games have finished under the total.
Meanwhile, Iowa is 8-4 SU and 5-4-2 ATS. In opposition of Michigan, a little over half of Hawkeyes games have finished over the O/U total.
After the Hawkeyes won the lone game against the Wolverines last season, 86-83, these teams will meet for the first time this year. The Hawkeyes had a better free throw rate (0.130 vs. 0.041) and had a better offensive rebounding percentage (35.9 vs. 33.3).
Michigan Wolverines vs. Iowa Hawkeyes Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Michigan, ATS Winner – Michigan, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
Michigan is 4-3 ATS on the road with 4 unders and 3 overs.
At home, Iowa is 2-0-1 ATS with 2 unders and 1 over.
Iowa ranks seventh in rebounds per game (43.2) while Michigan ranks 204th (33.9).
The Wolverines rank eighth in three pointers allowed per game (15.9) while the Hawkeyes rank 169th (23.0).
Michigan ranks fourth in steals allowed per game (4.1) while Iowa ranks 159th (7.6).
The Wolverines rank 15th in assists allowed per game (10.1) while the Hawkeyes rank 122nd (13.4).
Iowa ranks 22nd in blocks per game (5.7) while Michigan ranks 103rd (3.4).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Michigan is 4-1 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs.
Iowa is 4-0 ATS with 3 overs and 1 under over their last five games.
The Wolverines’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 16.4, up from 15.1 for the season.
During their last five games, the Hawkeyes have scored an average of 90.2 points per game (7.5 above their season average) and allowed an average of 67.2 points per game (3.4 below their season average).
