Clemson vs Iowa Prediction 3/20/26 College Basketball Picks Today

In this article we will formulate a Clemson vs Iowa prediction for this College Basketball game on Friday, March 20th at Benchmark International Arena in Tampa, Florida. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this NCAA Tournament matchup.

Clemson Tigers Betting Preview

The Clemson Tigers are 24-10 (12-6) this season after they lost to Duke by a score of 73-61 in their last game. Clemson trailed 41-22 at halftime, but did outscore Duke 39-32 in the second half in the loss. The Tigers shot 33% from the field, 28% on three pointers, and 78% on free throws in the game. RJ Godfrey led Clemson with 18 points and six rebounds, while Jestin Porter added 12 points and two rebounds in the loss.

Prior to that game, Clemson defeated North Carolina by a score of 80-79 and Wake Forest by a score of 71-62. The Tigers have scored 74.1 points per game with 34.3 rebounds and 12.8 assists per game, while they have allowed 66.7 points against per game this season. RJ Godfrey is averaging 11.9 points and 5.3 rebounds per game, while Carter Welling is averaging 10.2 points and 5.4 rebounds per game for the Tigers. Clemson is shooting 45.3% from the field, 72.6% on free throws, and 34.1% on three pointers this season. 

Iowa Hawkeyes Betting Preview

The Iowa Hawkeyes are 21-12 (10-10) this year after they lost to Ohio State by a score of 72-69 in their last game. Iowa trailed 34-30 at halftime, but they outscored OSU 39-38 in the second half in the close loss. The Hawkeyes shot 50% from the field, 48% on three pointers, and 79% on free throws in the game. Bennett Stirtz led Iowa with 17 points and four assists, while Tavion Banks added nine points and three rebounds in the loss. 

Prior to that game, Iowa defeated Maryland by a score of 75-64, but lost to Nebraska by a score of 84-75 before that. The Hawkeyes have scored 75.2 points per game with 29.4 rebounds and 15.3 assists per game, while they have allowed 66.0 points against per game this season. Bennett Stirtz is averaging 20.0 points and 4.5 assists per game, while Tavion Banks is averaging 10.5 points and 4.7 rebounds per game for the Hawkeyes. Iowa is shooting 49.1% from the field, 77.0% on free throws, and 35.7% on three pointers this season. 

Why the Clemson Tigers will win

• Clemson has won each of its last 10 Friday games against non-Conference opponents.
• Iowa has lost four of its last five games.
• Iowa has lost the first half in six of its last seven NCAA Tournament games.

Why the Iowa Hawkeyes will win

• Iowa has won 13 of its last 14 games against non-Conference opponents.
• Clemson has lost three of its last four NCAA Tournament night games.
• Iowa has won the first half in 12 of its last 13 night games against non-Conference opponents.

Total Points Facts

• Each of Iowa’s last 17 games against non-AP-ranked opponents have produced a total of 130+ points.
• Each of Clemson’s last 12 games against non-Conference opponents have produced a total of 129+ points.

Matchup/League Facts

• Clemson ranks 7th among Division 1 teams for opponent assists per game this season (10.5).
• Clemson ranks 17th among Division 1 teams for opponent field goals made per game this season (22.6).
• Iowa ranks 2nd among Division 1 teams for opponent field goal attempts per game this season (49.3).
• Iowa ranks 364th among Division 1 teams for pace this season (62.6).

Clemson vs Iowa Prediction

Iowa comes into this matchup after losing four of their last five games and they have scored fewer than 70 points in three of those five. The Hawkeyes are shooting 49% from the field, but they rely on Stirtz way too much in my opinion. Clemson has won three of their last four, but they are only shooting 45% from the field. The Tigers aren’t a great offensive team, but they are solid on defense and should have a rebounding advantage here. I think Clemson can limit Stirtz with their tight defense and I like them here.