Iowa Hawkeyes (17-12) vs. Northwestern Wildcats (20-8)
March 2, 2024 5:30 pm EDT
The Line: Northwestern Wildcats -3.5; Over/Under: +152.5
(Get latest betting odds)
The Iowa Hawkeyes will play the Northwestern Wildcats in a Big Ten game on Saturday evening at Welsh-Ryan Arena in Evanston, Illinois. Let’s take a look at the Iowa preview, Northwestern preview, betting matchup, and the Iowa vs Northwestern prediction.
Iowa Preview
The Iowa Hawkeyes are 17-12 (9-9) this year after they defeated Penn State by a score of 90-81 in their last game. Iowa led 47-39 at halftime and they scored 43 points in the second half in the win. The Hawkeyes shot 47.2% from the field and made 32 free throws in the game. Iowa lost to Illinois by a score of 95-85 in the game prior to Penn State, but did beat MSU and Wisconsin before that. The Hawkeyes are scoring 83.7 points per game with 35.7 rebounds per game and 17.6 assists per game, while giving up 78.8 points against per game this year. Payton Sandfort is averaging 15.7 points per game, 6.6 rebounds per game, and 2.7 assists per game. Iowa is shooting 47.9% from the field, 78.5% on free throws, and 34% on three pointers this season.
Northwestern Preview
The Northwestern Wildcats are 20-8 (11-6) this season after they defeated Maryland by a score of 68-61 in their last game. Northwestern led 29-24 at the half and they out scored Maryland 39-37 in the second half for the win. The Wildcats shot 46.3% from the field and made 28 free throws in the game. Northwestern has won five of their last six games, with the lone loss coming against Rutgers by three points on the road. The Wildcats are scoring 74.2 points per game with 31.5 rebounds per game and 15.7 assists per game, while allowing 69 points against per game this season. Boo Buie is averaging 18.6 points per game, 3.4 rebounds per game, and 5.2 assists per game. Northwestern is shooting 45.8% from the field, 74.5% on free throws, and 39% on three pointers this year.
Iowa vs Northwestern Betting Prediction
Northwestern comes into this game in third place in the Big Ten and they are in good shape for a top four finish, but can’t afford to lose this game at home. The Wildcats have played very strong defense this year and they have allowed 63 points or fewer in four of their last five games. Iowa comes into this game with a 9-9 Big Ten record and while they are a very high scoring team, they don’t play much defense. The Hawkeyes are allowing 78.8 points against per game this season and they have allowed 81+ points in three of their last four. I think we are going to see a high scoring game here and I like the over in this matchup.
