Offense meets defense when the No. 14 Iowa Hawkeyes (6-1, 0-1 Big 10) travel to Michigan State to take on the No. 9 Spartans (6-2, 1-0 Big 10). The game starts at 6:30 p.m. ET on Monday, December 3, 2018.
Iowa Hawkeyes vs. Michigan State Spartans Free Prediction
The Hawkeyes are trying to rebound after their 72-66 loss to the No. 22 Wisconsin Badgers in their last game. Wisconsin’s effective field goal percentage was their biggest strength over Iowa. The Badgers had a rate of 0.554 (above their season average of 0.549), while the Hawkeyes posted a mark of 0.441 (below their season average of 0.542). Tyler Cook led Iowa in scoring with 19 points on 8-for-15 shooting.
In the Spartans’ last game, they beat the Rutgers Scarlet Knights, 78-67. The Spartans knocked down 19 of their 25 free throws (76.0 percent) and held the Scarlet Knights to an effective field goal percentage of 0.431 (below their season average of 0.506). Cassius Winston was the top scorer from either team with 22 points on 8-for-16 shooting from the field.
The Spartans won the sole contest against the Hawkeyes last season, 96-93. Michigan State was successful at getting and making free throws. The Spartans made 24 of their 29 free throws (82.8 percent), while the Hawkeyes were just 12-19 (63.2 percent).
The high-octane offense of Michigan State will clash against the bottom-tier defense of Iowa. Since the 2017-18 season, the Spartans rank seventh in offensive efficiency, while the Hawkeyes are 297th in defensive efficiency. The Spartans should have the edge on that side of the ball.
Iowa vs. Michigan State ATS Pick
College Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Michigan State, ATS Winner – Iowa, O/U – Over
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Notes
Betting Notes (2017-Present):
Michigan State averages 19.1 assists per game, which ranks second in the country. Iowa ranks 301st in assists allowed per game (15.8).
The Spartans rank 145th in steals allowed per game (6.1) while the Hawkeyes rank 247th (7.1).
Michigan State ranks fourth in rebounds per game (41.7) while Iowa ranks 82nd in rebounds allowed per game (33.4).
The Spartans rank first in blocks per game (6.7) while the Hawkeyes rank 69th (4.0).
Michigan State averages 21.2 three pointers per game, which ranks 201st in the NCAA. Iowa ranks 224th in three pointers allowed per game (23.1).
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