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Minnesota vs. Iowa Prediction and Odds (Don't Underestimate Golden Gophers)

By Iain MacMillan

Minnesota and Iowa are set to face-off for the second time this college basketball season.
Minnesota and Iowa are set to face-off for the second time this college basketball season. / Harrison Barden-USA TODAY Sports
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A monumental battle in the Big Ten is set to take place today when they Minnesota Golden Gophers hit the road to take on the Iowa Hawkeyes.

The two teams faced each other already this season, with Iowa grabbing the 81-71 victory. Minnesota is still only 2-8 in Big Ten play, but Iowa isn't much better at 4-6. Both teams enter today's rematch off multiple losses. Minnesota has lost three-straight and Iowa is looking to bounce back after losses to Purdue and Penn State.

Let's take a look at the odds via WynnBET for today's Big Ten showdown.

Minnesota vs. Iowa Odds, Spread, and Total

Spread:

  • Minnesota +13 (-110)
  • Iowa -13 (-110)

Moneyline:

  • Minnesota +550
  • Iowa -825

Total:

  • 148.5 (Over -110/Under -110)

Minnesota vs. Iowa Betting Trends

  • Minnesota is 3-7 ATS in its last 10 games.
  • The OVER is 6-1 in Minnesota's last seven games.
  • Iowa is 4-1 ATS in its last five games vs. Minnesota.
  • The OVER is 7-2 in Iowa's last nine games.
  • Iowa is 11-3 ATS in its last 14 games played on a Sunday.

Minnesota vs. Iowa Prediction and Pick

As bad as Minnesota's record has been in conference team, their numbers are too promising to pass up betting on them as 13-point underdogs. The Golden Gophers rank 87th in effective field goal percentage, and 120th in offensive efficiency. Considering Iowa ranks 97th and fourth in those two stats, I don't think the massive spread is warranted.

Iowa does have a defensive advantage, ranking 125th in defensive efficiency compared to Minnesota at 211th, but once again, is that deserving of this big of a spread? The biggest advantage Iowa has is the ability to not turn the ball over, ranking second in turnovers per possession. In this game, Minnesota has that gap closed, ranking sixth in turnovers per possession.

I will admit, the biggest glaring issue in this game is rebounding. Minnesota is one of the worst rebounding teams in the country, ranking 343rd in rebounding rate. This proved to be its downfall in its previous matchup against Iowa, as the Golden Gophers allowed the Hawkeyes to record 15 offensive rebounds.

With that being said, I think Minnesota can keep this game close if they have even an average game from a rebounding perspective.

Pick: Minnesota +13

Iain's college basketball betting record this season is 58-51-1 (+3.84 units). You can see his detailed2022 betting record here.

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