Iowa vs. Duke Odds
| Iowa Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+2.5 -110 | 148.5 -104o / -118u | +114 |
| Duke Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-2.5 -110 | 148.5 -104o / -118u | -137 |
Tuesday night's matchup between Iowa and Duke is shaping up to be not only one of the best so far this season, but also has the potential to be an all-timer.
Iowa comes into the game at 6-1 on the season while Duke is 8-2. The first NET rankings of the year came out on Monday, putting the Hawkeyes at 20th and slotting the Blue Devils at 17th.
Tuesday's game will be held at historic Madison Square Garden as the finale of the Jimmy V Classic. It will feature a legend, Dickie V, on the call.
There isn't much more you can ask for from a game — not to mention the fact that Fran McCaffery will be looking for his 500th win all-time as a head coach.
In one of the most historic venues in the world and at an event that has much more meaning than just a benchmark on McCaffery's record, can the Hawkeyes come away with a win?
Iowa Hawkeyes
Many expected Kris Murray to take a big step this season. And while he's done just that — currently leading the Hawkeyes in minutes, points and rebounds — no one could've expected the performance he put on against Georgia Tech.
Murray became the first player in the last 20 years in the NBA, WNBA or Division I basketball (both men's and women's) to record at least 30 points, 20 rebounds, four assists, four 3-pointers and two blocks in the same game.
It was truly one of the most amazing single-game performances in basketball, as he made an impact at both ends of the court.
Iowa, as a team, has been elite at both ends of the court as well, ranking sixth nationally when it comes to points per game (86.4 per outing) while holding teams to just 41.5% from the floor.
One concern with the Hawkeyes, though, is how they will matchup against a Duke team that has been dominant on the offensive glass. Duke ranks second nationally when it comes to offensive rebound percentage, coming down with the board 41% of the time.
Duke is also averaging 14.2 second-chance points per game while Iowa has allowed opponents to post an offensive rebound percentage of 31.2%.
If Iowa allows Duke to consistently have multiple looks at the offensive end, it could become an issue quickly.
Duke Blue Devils
Much like Iowa, the Blue Devils have had success at both ends of the floor. However, there are a few areas in which Duke — when truly tested by elite teams — has struggled so far this season.
One of my biggest concerns with the Blue Devils against Iowa is on the offensive end. Duke is posting an effective field goal percentage of just 48.5%, which ranks outside the top 200.
And while turnovers haven't been much of an issue so far this season, Iowa is coming away with a turnover on 20.6% of opponent's offensive possessions.
Fouling is another area that hasn't been much of an issue for the Blue Devils yet this season. But against a Hawkeyes team that is drawing 20.6 fouls per game, it could quickly become one.
Both of Duke's losses this season have come on a neutral court. And if they aren't careful, the Hawkeyes have more than enough talent to give the Blue Devils their third.
Iowa vs. Duke Betting Pick
This game will absolutely be can't-miss basketball and will likely carry weight all the way to Selection Sunday. I fully expect a battle from both teams that comes down to the last possession, which is why I'm not betting this game to the last possession.
Iowa has consistently been a better team at both ends in the first half, while Duke has struggled to settle in, specifically on defense until after halftime. Iowa is averaging a third-best 42.4 points in the first half while giving up just 29.9.
Duke, meanwhile, is allowing opponents to average 30.5 points in the first half and doesn't quite lock in until the second half, when they rank seventh in the nation, giving up just 28.2 points.
Back the Hawkeyes to come out motivated and take a lead into halftime. I'll be backing Iowa on the moneyline as high as -125 in the first half.
