The Iowa Hawkeyes (10-9, 1-5 Big 10) head to Rutgers to take on the Scarlet Knights (11-8, 1-5 Big 10) in a matchup that pits phenomenal offense against tremendous defense. The game is scheduled to start at 7 p.m. ET on Wednesday, January 17, 2018.
The game’s Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 142 points with Rutgers opening as a 1-point favorite.
Iowa Hawkeyes at Rutgers Scarlet Knights Betting Prediction
The Hawkeyes come in on a high note after defeating the Illinois Fighting Illini in their last contest, 104-97. Iowa was successful at getting and making free throws. The Hawkeyes made 33 of their 40 free throws (82.5 percent), while the Fighting Illini were 11-14 (78.6 percent). Tyler Cook had a good outing for Iowa, contributing 21 points and 13 rebounds.
In the Scarlet Knights’ last matchup, they lost big to the Ohio State Buckeyes, 68-46. Ohio State’s 34.4 offensive rebounding percentage was their biggest advantage over Rutgers, who had a rate of 20.5. The Buckeyes’ mark was above their season average of 29.0, while the Scarlet Knights’ was below their season average of 35.4. Rutgers’ Corey Sanders contributed 13 points and five rebounds in the game.
Rutgers should be expected to protect the ball well in this contest. Rutgers ranks 19th in the NCAA at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 15.7 percent), while Iowa forces the 42nd-fewest turnovers (16.6 percent). Moreover, the Hawkeyes’ 48th-ranked offense (offensive efficiency of 113.6) will clash against the Scarlet Knights’ seventh-ranked defense (defensive efficiency of 89.6).
Iowa holds records of 10-9 straight up (SU) and 6-7-2 against the spread (ATS). Vegas is known to place the total low when the Hawkeyes are involved, as 66.7 percent of their games have gone over the O/U total.
Meanwhile, Rutgers owns records of 11-8 SU and 7-3-1 ATS. Unlike Iowa, games featuring the Scarlet Knights tend to finish under the O/U total (63.6 percent).
After the Hawkeyes won both meetings against the Scarlet Knights last season, these teams will meet for the first time this year. In the last game, Iowa won 83-63. The Hawkeyes had a better free throw rate (0.200 vs. 0.141) and had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.592 vs. 0.422).
Iowa Hawkeyes vs. Rutgers Scarlet Knights Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Rutgers, ATS Winner – Rutgers, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
On the road, Iowa is 4-5-1 ATS with 7 overs and 3 unders.
Rutgers is 6-1-1 ATS at home with 6 unders and 2 overs.
Iowa ranks sixth in assists per game (18.9) while Rutgers ranks 240th (11.2).
The Hawkeyes rank 24th in rebounds per game (40.3) while the Scarlet Knights rank 222nd in rebounds allowed per game (37.6).
Iowa ranks 32nd in blocks per game (4.9) while Rutgers ranks 153rd in blocks allowed per game (4.6).
The Scarlet Knights rank 48th in steals per game (7.5) while the Hawkeyes rank 157th (5.5).
Iowa ranks 165th in three pointers attempted per game (21.4) while Rutgers ranks 265th (15.6).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Iowa is 2-3 ATS with 5 overs.
Rutgers is 2-2 ATS with 3 unders and 1 over over their last five games.
The Hawkeyes have been outscored by an average of 1.2 points in their last five games. On the season, Iowa has defeated opponents by an average of 5.8 points.
During their last five games, the Scarlet Knights have scored an average of 58.2 points per game (10.7 below their season average) and allowed an average of 69.2 points per game (7.1 above their season average).
