The Michigan Wolverines have put together one of the most impressive seasons in college basketball. They sit atop the Big Ten and will look to remain there with a win this week against the Iowa Hawkeyes. Michigan is on the road in this game which could make it tougher, but the Wolverines will still be favored to pick up the victory.
Iowa is aiming to grab a seat in March Madness and a victory over the Wolverines would go a long way in that bid. This is a crucial game for both sides and the Hawkeyes are good enough to make it a competitive clash in NCAA basketball betting lines.
This NCAA basketball game between the Michigan Wolverines and Iowa Hawkeyes will be held at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City, Iowa at 7 p.m. ET on Friday, February 1st, 2019. The game will be nationally televised on FS1.
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Odds Analysis
The Wolverines have a sparkling 20-1 record on the season and are ranked No. 5 in the country. Michigan has been great in a tough conference, winning nine of its 10 Big Ten matchups. The Wolverines’ lone loss this season came to the Badgers but they have rebounded with three straight wins since then. Michigan is 4-1 on the road this season heading into this hostile environment.
Iowa has a mark of 16-5 on the year. The Hawkeyes went undefeated in their non-conference schedule but the Big Ten slate has not been as kind. Iowa is 5-5 in conference play and has lost back-to-back games to Michigan State and Minnesota heading into this one.
Key Stat
56.5. That’s the number of points per game Michigan has given up this season. The Wolverines are one of the stingiest defensive teams in the country and it’s that side of the court that has kickstarted a dominant year. Michigan is a solid rebounding team, averaging six more boards per game than Iowa.
The Hawkeyes have a good offense. They are averaging 82.2 points per game and shooting an impressive 47.6 percent from the field. Iowa might not be as efficient as usual in this one against a tough defense, but if the Hawkeyes can score in the 70s they have a shot to pull the upset.
Player To Watch
Luke Garza -- The Hawkeyes are hoping their sophomore forward can play well in this matchup. Garza is averaging 14.8 points and 4.7 rebounds on the season but has really found his scoring groove of late. Garza has put up 22, 20, 20 and 25 points in his last four games.
The Hawkeyes only won two of them but through no fault of his. Garza is shooting 54.5 percent from the field on the season and has done better than that in the past couple of weeks. Michigan will need to keep him from going off.
Free NCAA Basketball ATS Picks
Michigan is a great team and has what it takes to make the Final Four this year if things break right. However, talented squads still run into trouble at times. Iowa has been less consistent than hoped in conference play but has a lot of talent.
The Hawkeyes could really use an upset win to get things back on track and it’s going to happen. Iowa will pay off nicely if it can beat the Wolverines in NCAA basketball betting. Consider taking the “over” on the scoring total in this matchup because Iowa has the offensive capability to put up more points than Michigan generally allows.
NCAA Basketball Score Prediction: Iowa Hawkeyes 71, Michigan Wolverines 70
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