The Iowa Hawkeyes and the Iowa State Cyclones meet Thursday in college basketball action from Hilton Coliseum. Iowa lost to Purdue in their last outing, dropping the Hawkeyes to 5-3 overall. As for Iowa State, they’re 6-2 on the season after a win over DePaul on Friday. Let’s get into our Iowa vs. Iowa State prediction. Check back all season long for free college basketball picks at Sports Chat Place.
Iowa Hawkeyes
The Hawkeyes managed a 5-2 run over their first seven games this year, taking losses to Creighton and Oklahoma in that time. Iowa’s wins otherwise were versus North Dakota, Alabama State, Arkansas State, Seton Hall and North Florida. In the win over the Ospreys, the Hawkeyes posted a 103-78 result with 59.0 percent shooting from the field.
In their latest matchup versus Purdue, Iowa was drilled 45-24 in the first half. The Hawkeyes got better from there on 44 more points but still lost 87-68. Tops in scoring was Ben Krikke with 16 points and seven rebounds. Tony Perkins added 12 points and six rebounds.
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Iowa State Cyclones
Over on the Cyclones’ side, they were able to open the season with a five-game win streak over Green Bay, Lindenwood, Idaho State, Grambling and VCU. Iowa State would then take consecutive losses to Virginia Tech and Texas A&M. The Cyclones shot just 34.4 percent from the field in the loss to the Aggies.
Iowa State was able to get back into the win column versus a struggling DePaul team in their last outing. The Cyclones scored 41 points in the first half and 58 more in the second during a 99-80 finish. All five starters finished in double-figures, including Tre King’s 24 points, five rebounds and three assists. After this one, Iowa State will welcome Prairie View, Florida A&M, Eastern Illinois, and New Hampshire.
ANDREW’S FREE IOWA VS IOWA STATE PREDICTION
I’m going to try Iowa State here. With this line you could make a case either way, though; we should have a fun matchup on our hands. The Cyclones are coming off a solid effort versus DePaul, hitting 56.5 percent from the field with 34 rebounds and 29 team assists. Iowa State has hit 68 or more points in all but one game this year, so they’ve got a nice shot at posting a solid total on Thursday.
As for Iowa, they gave up 52.3 percent shooting to a great Purdue team in their last outing. The Hawkeyes have hit 67 or more points in every game themselves; we’re probably looking at a high total in this one. It’ll be a fun matchup to watch regardless.