Iowa (10-3) vs. Wisconsin (10-3)
January 3, 2025 7:00 pm EDT
The Line: Wisconsin -5.5; Over/Under: +162.5
(Get latest betting odds)
In this article, we will formulate a Wisconsin vs Iowa prediction for this College Basketball game on Friday, January 3rd at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this College Basketball matchup.
Wisconsin Badgers Betting Preview
The Wisconsin Badgers are 10-3 (0-2) this year after they defeated Detroit Mercy by a score of 76-53 in their last game. Wisconsin led 39-26 at halftime and added 37 points in the second half for the win. The Badgers shot 40.6% from the field, 20% on three-pointers, and 89.5% on free throws in the game. Nolan Winter led Wisconsin with 18 points and 11 rebounds, while Steven Crowl added 15 points and four rebounds in the game.
Prior to that win, the Badgers defeated Butler by a score of 83-74 but did lose to Illinois by a score of 86-80 before that. Wisconsin has lost three of their last five games, including a 67-64 loss to Michigan in their first conference game. Wisconsin has scored 81.5 points per game and they have allowed 70.9 points per game, while also averaging 36.2 rebounds and 15.0 assists per game this season. John Tonje is averaging 19.2 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game, while John Blackwell is averaging 14.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game this season. Wisconsin is shooting 44.9% from the field, 85.1% on free throws, and 32.5% on three-pointers this year. Wisconsin will meet Rutgers, Minnesota, and Ohio State after this game.
Iowa Hawkeyes Betting Preview
The Iowa Hawkeyes are 10-3 (1-1) this season after they defeated New Hampshire by a score of 112-70 in their last game. Iowa led 62-33 at halftime and added 50 more points in the second half for the easy win. The Hawkeyes shot 60.8% from the field, 34.5% on three-pointers, and 54.5% on free throws in the game. Payton Sandfort led Iowa with 15 points and six rebounds, while Seydou Traore added 14 points and six rebounds in the win.
Prior to that game, the Hawkeyes defeated Utah by a score of 95-88 and New Orleans by a score of 104-57. Iowa has won three games in a row and five of their last seven, including a win over Northwestern and a loss to Michigan in their first two conference games. Iowa has scored 89.7 points per game and they have allowed 74.2 points per game, while also averaging 34.5 rebounds and 20.2 assists per game this season. Owen Freeman is averaging 17.1 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game, while Payton Sandfort is averaging 16.5 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game this year. Iowa is shooting 51.1% from the field, 67.2% on free throws, and 38.3% on three-pointers this season.
Why Wisconsin will beat Iowa
- Wisconsin has won 22 of its last 23 games at Kohl Center against non-AP-ranked opponents.
- Iowa has lost 12 of its last 14 road night games against the Big Ten Conference.
- Wisconsin has won the first half in each of its last six night games against the Big Ten Conference at Kohl Center.
Why Iowa will beat Wisconsin
- Iowa has won eight of its last nine night games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
- Wisconsin has lost each of its last three games against the Big Ten Conference.
- Iowa has won the first half in each of its last six night games.
Wisconsin vs Iowa Prediction
Wisconsin comes into this matchup with a 10-3 record on the season, but they are 0-2 in their first two conference games this year. The Badgers will be at home, where they are usually very good, but they did lose to Michigan at home. Iowa is also 10-3 to start the year, but they did split their first two Big Ten games. The Hawkeyes are the better offensive team in this matchup, as they are scoring over 89 points per game, but their defense has been a problem. Iowa has allowed 89 points to Iowa State, 88 to Utah, and 85 to Michigan in three of their last five games, which is definitely a concern here. The Badgers do have better numbers on defense this year, but they allowed 86 to Illinois and 88 to Marquette. Take the over in this contest.
