Northwestern vs. Iowa Prediction and Odds (Hawkeyes Offense Set to Thrive)

Iowa hosts Northwestern in Big Ten action as they look to continue their fine play at home.

The Wildcats will not be part of the NCAA Tournament, barring a shocking Big Ten Tournament title, but the Hawkeyes are going to look to bolster their status amongst the conference as they position themselves to improve their tourney standing.

Here are the odds for the offensive minded matchup at Carver-Hawkeyes Arena from WynnBET Sportsbook.

Northwestern vs. Iowa Odds, Spread and Total

Spread:

• Northwestern: +10.5 (-110)
• Iowa: -10.5 (-110)

Moneyline:

• Northwestern: +425
• Iowa: -550

Total: 151 (Over -110/Under -110)

Northwestern vs. Iowa Prediction and Pick

Northwestern has been playing strong defense over the past month, top 20 in barttorvik's adjusted defensive efficiency metric since the start of February, but I don't see it keeping the Hawkeyes offense down.

The team doesn't have an answer for Keegan Murray, who is averaging over 23 points per game on 58/38/77 shooting splits. At home in Big Ten play, Iowa is averaging over 80 points per game. As mentioned last week on Betsided, the Hawkeyes are a cash cow at Carver-Hawkeye under Fran McCaffery.

Iowa covered in that one with a 26-point win over Michigan State and is now laying a big name to Northwestern. I'm going to lay off the spread though at over double digits and take the team total over at 81.

This is right in line with the team's season long output at home and I believe the matchup advantages for Murray and the Hawkeyes offense should set them up for a big outing. Iowa can win with margin, but I'm not going to force the spread as the team's defense continues to be a question mark.

LEAN: Iowa TT Over 81 (-110)

All of Reed's college basketball plays can be tracked here, his best bets column for college basketball is 75-73-3 for -1.75 units.