Offense meets defense when the Iowa Hawkeyes (12-3, 1-3 Big 10) visit Northwestern to take on the Wildcats (10-5, 1-3 Big 10). The game is scheduled to get underway at 9 p.m. ET on Wednesday, January 9, 2019.
Iowa Hawkeyes at Northwestern Wildcats ATS Prediction
The Hawkeyes come in on a high note after topping the UMKC Kangaroos in their last game, 77-63. Getting to the free throw line was one of Iowa’s largest strengths. They had 38 free throw attempts, while UMKC had just 12. Iowa was led by Tyler Cook, who finished with 12 points, eight rebounds and five assists.
The last time the Wildcats were in action, they dismantled the New Orleans Privateers, 82-52. The Wildcats had a much better turnover percentage (11.2 vs. 20.4) and had a much better free throw rate (0.350 vs. 0.204). With 18 points, six rebounds and five assists, Northwestern’s Vic Law put together a solid game.
After the Hawkeyes won the sole contest against the Wildcats last season, 77-70, these teams will meet for the first time this year. The Hawkeyes knocked down 17 of their 23 free throws (73.9 percent) and had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (45.9 vs. 27.3).
Both teams have had a player take their game to the next level over their last five games. Cook (0 points) has been fantastic for the Hawkeyes while Law (0 points) has contributed greatly to the Wildcats.
There’s a decent chance that Iowa struggles to create turnovers. Northwestern ranks 83rd in the nation at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 17.3 percent), while Iowa forces the 229th-most turnovers (18.7 percent). Moreover, the 13th-ranked offense of the Hawkeyes (offensive efficiency of 117.4) will go head-to-head against the 50th-ranked defense of the Wildcats (defensive efficiency of 93.3).
Iowa Hawkeyes at Northwestern Wildcats Free Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Northwestern, ATS Winner – Northwestern, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Northwestern ranks third in three pointers allowed per game (16.4) while Iowa ranks 172nd (23.7).
The Wildcats rank 46th in assists per game (15.9) while 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).
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