The No. 18 Iowa Hawkeyes (19-8, 10-6 Big 10) visit Michigan State to take on the No. 24 Spartans (18-9, 10-6 Big 10) in a matchup that pits phenomenal offense against exceptional defense. The game will air on ESPN2 at 7 p.m. ET on Tuesday, February 25, 2020.
Iowa Hawkeyes vs. Michigan State Spartans Betting Prediction
The last time the Hawkeyes played, they defeated the No. 25 Ohio State Buckeyes, 85-76. The Hawkeyes had a phenomenal free throw rate of 0.327 (above their season average of 0.258) and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.654 (above their season average of 0.516). Iowa was lifted by Luka Garza, who was the top scorer from either team with 24 points on 9-for-15 shooting.
The Spartans easily got past the Nebraska Cornhuskers in their last matchup, 86-65. Michigan State won the rebounding battle. The Spartans had more offensive rebounds (16 vs. nine), defensive rebounds (35 vs. 17) and total rebounds (51 vs. 26). With 10 points and 11 rebounds, Michigan State’s Xavier Tillman put together a solid performance.
After the Spartans won both matchups against the Hawkeyes last season, these teams will meet for the first time this year. In the last game, Michigan State won 82-67. The Spartans made 20 of their 21 free throws (95.2 percent) and had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (44.0 vs. 27.9).
It might turn into a shootout as two of the nation’s top offenses battle. Michigan State currently ranks 43rd with 109.6 points per 100 possessions and Iowa is 17th (111.9). Also, the Hawkeyes rank 60th in turnover percentage (17.2 percent), while the Spartans rank 333rd in opponents’ turnover percentage (16.3 percent).
Iowa Hawkeyes vs. Michigan State Spartans Odds Pick
Basketball Pick: ATS Winner – Iowa, O/U – Over
Betting Trends
Michigan State averages 17.7 assists per game, which ranks third in the nation. Iowa ranks 237th in assists allowed per game (15.0).
The Spartans rank sixth in rebounds per game (41.3) while the Hawkeyes rank 147th in rebounds allowed per game (35.1).
Michigan State ranks 13th in blocks per game (5.1) while Iowa ranks 147th in blocks allowed per game (3.7).
The Spartans rank 145th in three pointers attempted per game (22.0) while the Hawkeyes rank 253rd in three pointers allowed per game (24.3).
The Hawkeyes have been outscored by an average of 2.4 points in their last five games. For the season, Iowa has defeated opponents by an average of 6.6 points.
During their last five games, the Spartans have scored an average of 70.8 points per game (4.7 below their season average) and allowed an average of 70.6 points per game (6.5 above their season average).