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— Monday, February 28th Northwestern Wildcats @ Iowa Hawkeyes
The No. 25 Iowa Hawkeyes (20-8, 10-7) have won three games in a row as they prepare for their final home game of the season against the Northwestern Wildcats (13-14, 6-12).
The Hawkeyes still have a shot at a double-bye in the Big Ten Tournament, while the Wildcats can only escape the play-in game by winning out and getting help. Tipoff at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City is set for 8:00 p.m. ET Monday on Big Ten Network.
This is the only meeting of the regular season between these teams. Iowa has won six in a row in the series, by an average of 11.5 ppg, covering in five of those wins. The last time Northwestern won in Iowa City was on March 3, 2012, and they are 3-17 in their last 20 trips to Carver-Hawkeye.
Wildcats Struggling on Defense
The Wildcats are 12-13-1 ATS, and the under is 14-12 in their 26 games. They are 3-7 in true road games this season, 4-8 overall away from home. Northwestern is 1-4 in their last five games and 1-7 against ranked teams this season, with the win coming at Michigan State in mid-January.
Northwestern’s offense has been solid this season, averaging 73.3 ppg and shooting 43% from the field. The defense ranks 159th in the nation, allowing 68.3 ppg, and they are 319th in the country, allowing 36.1% shooting from 3-point range. They average 35.5 rebounds per game, 245th in the nation.
In Friday’s loss at Penn State, Patrick Nance led three in double-figures with 12 points, while Chase Audige and Ty Berry both scored 11. Northwestern shot just 37% from the field and got outrebounded by 16.
On the season, Nance leads the team with 15.0 ppg and 6.3 rpg. Boo Buie is averaging 14.7 ppg, 4.5 apg and leads the team with 57 3-pointers made. Audige is also in double figures at 10.8 ppg and contributes 4.2 rpg.
Iowa Streaking Toward March
Iowa is 16-12 ATS, and the over is 19-8-1 in their 28 games. They are 15-3 at home this season, with the losses coming to Illinois, Purdue, and Michigan. In their last home game, they thumped Michigan State 86-60 and have scored at least 75 points in six straight games.
Iowa’s offense ranks fifth in the nation at 83.8 ppg, and they shoot 46.1% from the floor. The Hawkeyes shoot 35.2% from 3-point range, and they allow 33% shooting from deep. They average 37.8 rebounds per game and allow 71.3 ppg, ranked 248th in the nation.
Keegan Murray had 15 points at Nebraska on Friday, ending a streak of seven games with at least 21 points. Iowa has six players in double figures against Nebraska, led by Tony Perkins with 20 points.
Murray leads Iowa at 23.2 ppg and 8.2 rpg while shooting 56% from the field. Patrick McCaffery (10.7), Jordan Bohannon (10.7), and Kris Murray (10.1) are also in double figures, while Joe Toussaint leads the team at 3.5 apg. Bohannon has made 67 3-pointers on the season and is shooting 37% from distance.
Betting Analysis
- Northwestern Wildcats +10.5 (-110)
- Iowa Hawkeyes -10.5 (-110)
- Total Points 152 Over -110, Under -110
Northwestern has been bad on the road this season, losing four of their five away from home by an average of 11.6 ppg. They have only scored more than 70 points one time in the last six games, while Iowa has crossed 70 in nine straight. Murray is averaging 24.7 ppg at home this season; look for him to put on a show in the home finale and lead the Hawkeyes to a double-digit win.
Betting Pick: Iowa -10.5 (-110)
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