The Iowa Hawkeyes and Michigan State Spartans meet on Thursday in college basketball action at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Here’s an Iowa vs Michigan State prediction. This article will include an Iowa vs Michigan State Pick.
Michigan State Spartans Betting Preview
The Michigan State Spartans (24-5, 19-9-1 ATS) went through their worst period of the season during which they suffered three losses in early February. After losing to USC, UCLA, and Indiana, Michigan State defeated Illinois, Purdue, Michigan, Maryland, and Wisconsin. The Spartans are at the top of the Big Ten Standings with a 1.5 game ahead of Michigan and nine ahead of Iowa.
Michigan State is averaging 78.0 PPG (83rd) and is allowing 66.6 PPG (42nd). The Spartans are getting 40.2 RPG (17th) and dish out 17.2 APG (17th). Jaden Akins is the team’s top scorer with 12.9 PPG and 3.7 RPG. Jase Richardson adds 11.0 PPG and 3.0 RPG, while Tre Holloman contributes 8.6 PPG, 2.0 RPG, and 3.9 APG.
Iowa Hawkeyes Betting Preview
The Iowa Hawkeyes (15-14, 10-18-1 ATS) are struggling in 2025. Since mid-January, Iowa lost ten out of 13 games, including four of the previous five. The Hawkeyes are back home from a two-game road trip on which they suffered losses to Illinois and Northwestern. Iowa is 16th in the Big Ten Standings with 2.5 games ahead of the last-placed Washington.
Iowa averages 82.2 PPG (22nd) and allows 79.1 PPG (340th). The Hawkeyes are 373rd in rebounds (32.0) and 6th in assists (18.3). Owen Freeman leads the team with 16.7 PPG, a team-high 6.7 RPG, and a team-high 1.8 BPG. Payton Sandfort follows him with 16.1 PPG, 6.2 RPG, and 3.0 APG, while Josh Dix has 14.0 PPG, 3.1 RPG, 2.7 APG, and 1.0 SPG.
Why Michigan State will beat Iowa
- Iowa has lost each of its last 11 night games against Top 10 AP-ranked opponents.
- Michigan State has won each of its last five games.
- Iowa has lost the first half in each of its last four games against the Big Ten Conference.
Total Points Facts
- Each of Michigan State’s last 12 Thursday night road games against the Big Ten Conference have produced a total of 151 or fewer points.
- Each of Iowa’s last six games against Top 10 AP-ranked opponents has produced a total of 154+ points.
Matchup/League Facts
- Iowa ranks 4th among Division 1 teams for assists per game this season (18.3).
- Iowa ranks 4th among Division 1 teams for assist-to-turnover ratio this season (1.82).
- Michigan State ranks 3rd among Division 1 teams for rebound percentage this season (56.8%).
- Michigan State ranks 4th among Division 1 teams for opponent three-point percentage this season (28.2%).
Iowa vs Michigan State Prediction
The rivals have traded wins in the last ten H2H encounters as each recorded five. Iowa won five of the previous six games, but the situation now is completely on Michigan State’s side. The Spartans won the last three games on the road, while Iowa lost three of the past four at home. The visitors will be highly motivated to win as they are battling for the No. 1 seed, and I am backing them to get it. Iowa has only covered the Spread in 11 of its last 33 games, while Michigan State has covered the Spread in 24 of its last 35 games.