Rutgers vs. Iowa Odds
| Rutgers Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+3.5 -110 | 141.5 -110o / -110u | +136 |
| Iowa Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-3.5 -110 | 141.5 -110o / -110u | -164 |
Rutgers and Iowa will meet for the second time this season after the Hawkeyes won the first meeting in Piscataway, 76-65.
The Scarlet Knights are looking to keep the momentum going after limiting Penn State's offense to just 45 total points in a 20-point win on Tuesday.
The host Hawkeyes will be looking to bounce back after losing back-to-back games for just the second time this season. Iowa was taken down by Ohio State and Michigan State, both on the road.
Overall, this is an intriguing matchup between Iowa's elite offense and a Rutgers defense that has been one of the best in the country.
To find out which unit will outlast the other, let's take a look at the odds and make a prediction for Rutgers vs. Iowa.
Rutgers Scarlet Knights
Rutgers sits in sole possession of second place in the Big Ten standings on the back of its elite defensive production.
The Scarlet Knights rank second nationally in Adjusted Defensive Efficiency (86.4) through their ability to create pressure and protect the paint.
Rutgers only allows its opponents to score 47.9% of their points from 2-point range thanks to the on-ball pressure it's able to create. The Scarlet Knights rank sixth nationally in steal percentage at 14.3%.
Look at this 1-on-1 defense from Mawot Mag to end the half. He shuts down Bruce Thornton here and he guarded Zed Key for an extended time in the 2nd half. His ability to guard 1-5 is key to the Rutgers defense.
Swiss Army Knife. pic.twitter.com/BDulW65Rw8
— Jack Bisaha (@jackbis_5) January 16, 2023
This on-ball pressure will be critical against an Iowa offense that thrives in half-court sets. The Hawkeyes are scoring 57.6% of their baskets off an assist, the 41st-highest rate in the country.
Look for Rutgers to disrupt an Iowa offense that is the key to the Hawkeyes' success.
Iowa Hawkeyes
Iowa and junior forward Kris Murray have been clinical on the offensive end. Through Murray's team-high 20.6 points per game, Iowa has developed the eighth-highest Adjusted Offensive Efficiency (117.2) in the nation and is scoring 80.7 points per game.
Iowa's dependence on its offensive production has been highlighted in its last two matchups. The Hawkeyes have averaged just 69 points in both of their losses to Ohio State and Michigan State.
Attempting to get back on track on offense against Rutgers is not a recipe for success.
In addition to this offensive inconsistency, the Hawkeyes have struggled to string together stops on the defensive end. Iowa ranks 125th in Adjusted Defensive Efficiency due to its inability to prevent teams from getting to the rim.
Iowa is giving up 58.9% of its points from the interior, the 11th-highest percentage in all of college basketball.
This bodes well for a Rutgers offense that struggles from outside, and as a result, has scored 56.6% of its points from 2-point range.
The Scarlet Knights have shot just 31.5% from beyond the arc, 297th nationally. Instead Rutgers will look to set up 6-foot-11 center Clifford Omoruyi in the half-court.
Rutgers nearly pulled off the road upset vs. Ohio State
A big reason why? The Scarlet Knights shot 18-for-25 (72%) at the rim – an area where OSU ranks 12th defensively (1.01 PPP)
Rutgers interior success was led by Clifford Omoruyi, who went 7-for-9 ATR@RutgersMBB@wizcliff77pic.twitter.com/zM4RiPXwLw
— ShotQuality (@Shot_Quality) December 9, 2022
Overall, look for Iowa to continue to come back down to earth against a premier Rutgers defense.
Rutgers vs. Iowa Betting Pick
This matchup between Rutgers and Iowa has all the ingredients of a classic Big Ten rock fight.
The Scarlet Knights will bring an elite defense into Iowa City. In addition, they will be matching up with an Iowa team that has seen some offensive regression in its two most recent games.
On the other end, Rutgers will look to score points by using the shot clock to develop sets for Omoruyi.
With that said, I believe there is value in the total down to 138.5, especially given the recent form of this Hawkeyes offense.
Pick: Under 138.5 or Better |
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