The Iowa Hawkeyes (12-3, 1-3 Big 10) and their sensational offense travel to Northwestern to play the Wildcats (10-5, 1-3 Big 10) and their superb defense. The game gets underway at 9 p.m. ET on Wednesday, January 9, 2019.
Iowa Hawkeyes vs. Northwestern Wildcats ATS Odds
Both teams were triumphant in their last game. The Wildcats won big over the New Orleans Privateers 82-52, while the Hawkeyes beat the UMKC Kangaroos 77-63.
The Hawkeyes had a much better free throw rate (0.596 vs. 0.125) and had a better effective field goal percentage (0.521 vs. 0.430). Meanwhile, Northwestern played a perfect game. They had a turnover percentage of 11.2 and a free throw rate of 0.350. New Orleans put up marks of 20.4 and 0.204, respectively, for those same stats. Northwestern was led by Vic Law, who contributed 18 points, six rebounds and five assists. Tyler Cook had a good game for Iowa, finishing with 12 points, eight rebounds and five assists.
The Hawkeyes won the sole contest between these two teams last season, 77-70. Iowa’s 0.288 free throw rate was their largest strength over Northwestern, who had a rate of 0.052. This is the first time these teams will meet this year.
The Hawkeyes’ Cook has been playing at a high level over his last five games, averaging 0 points per game. Meanwhile, Law has averaged 0 points during that same time frame for the Wildcats.
Iowa could have a tough time creating turnovers. Northwestern ranks 83rd in the country at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 17.3 percent), while Iowa forces the 229th-most turnovers (18.7 percent). Also, the 13th-ranked offense of the Hawkeyes (offensive efficiency of 117.4) will face off against the 50th-ranked defense of the Wildcats (defensive efficiency of 93.3).
Iowa Hawkeyes at Northwestern Wildcats Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Northwestern, ATS Winner – Northwestern, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Northwestern ranks third in three pointers allowed per game (16.4) while Iowa ranks 172nd (23.7).
- The Wildcats average 15.9 assists per game, which ranks 46th in the country. The Hawkeyes rank 200th in assists allowed per game (15.1).
- Iowa ranks sixth in blocks allowed per game (1.8) while Northwestern ranks 79th (3.2).
Bettings Trends:
- The Hawkeyes’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 15.8, up from 10.1 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Wildcats have scored an average of 75.4 points per game (3.5 above their season average) and allowed an average of 61.8 points per game (1.4 below their season average).
