It will be a battle between Big 10 opponents when the Penn State Nittany Lions (7-10, 0-6 Big 10) welcome the No. 23 Iowa Hawkeyes (14-3, 3-3 Big 10) to the Bryce Jordan Center. The game gets underway at 7 p.m. ET on Wednesday, January 16, 2019.
Iowa Hawkeyes vs. Penn State Nittany Lions Betting Prediction
The Hawkeyes come in on a high note after defeating the No. 16 Ohio State Buckeyes in their last game, 72-62. The Hawkeyes made 18 of their 25 free throws (72.0 percent), while the Buckeyes had a turnover percentage of 24.8 (above their season average of 15.3). With 16 points on 6-for-7 shooting, Luka Garza was the game’s high scorer.
In the Nittany Lions’ previous game, they fell to the No. 6 Michigan State Spartans, 71-56. Michigan State’s 0.255 free throw rate was their biggest strength over Penn State, who had a mark of 0.117. The Spartans’ mark was below their season average of 0.263, while the Nittany Lions’ was below their season average of 0.196. With 11 points, nine assists and five steals, Penn State’s Josh Reaves had a solid game.
Getting to the line could be rare for Penn State in this showdown. The Nittany Lions currently rank 305th in the NCAA with a free throw attempt (FTA) rate of 0.191, while Iowa ranks 41st in FTA rate allowed (0.183).
After the Nittany Lions won both contests against the Hawkeyes last season, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. In the last contest, Penn State won 82-58. The Nittany Lions had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.586 vs. 0.391) and had a better turnover percentage (13.9 vs. 16.7).
Iowa Hawkeyes at Penn State Nittany Lions ATS Pick
College Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – Iowa, ATS Winner – Iowa, O/U – Over
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Penn State ranks 22nd in three pointers allowed per game (18.5) while Iowa ranks 182nd (24.0).
The Hawkeyes rank 38th in assists per game (16.0) while the Nittany Lions rank 195th (11.9).
Iowa ranks fifth in blocks allowed per game (1.9) while Penn State ranks 123rd (3.9).
The Nittany Lions average 7.6 steals per game, which ranks 53rd in the country. The Hawkeyes rank 101st in steals allowed per game (6.4).
Iowa ranks 93rd in rebounds per game (37.1) while Penn State ranks 112th in rebounds allowed per game (34.5).
Bettings Trends:
The Hawkeyes’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 3.6, down from 10.1 for the season.
During their last five games, the Nittany Lions have scored an average of 60.2 points per game (7.0 below their season average) and allowed an average of 66.4 points per game (0.7 below their season average).
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