The Iowa Hawkeyes and Penn State Nittany Lions face off on Thursday in a college basketball showdown at the Bryce Jordan Center. Let’s look at the betting matchup and give a free Iowa vs Penn State prediction.
Iowa Can’t Slip Up Here
Iowa still has hopes of making the NCAA Tournament and if they want to get in, these are the type of games that they can’t be losing. Last Friday, Iowa faced off against Ohio State, and they were tested but they ended up winning by two. At halftime they were down but in the second half they scored 43 points on the way to the victory. Tony Perkins put up 20 points, seven rebounds, and four assists. Iowa is averaging 84.2 points while their defense is giving up 77.2 points per game. The defense hasn’t been great, but the offense is ranked 16th. Perkins has been the top player averaging 15.7 points while shooting 47.1 percent from the field.
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Penn State Figuring it Out?
It looks like Penn State is figuring it out, and they have won two games in a row. Two games ago against Rutgers, Penn State won 61-46 and in the last game against Indiana they were able to secure the 85-71. Adrian Baldwin Jr had a strong game putting up 22 points, eight assists, and two rebounds. Penn State is averaging 76 points while their defense is giving up 73.3 points per game. The offense is ranked 133th but in this game the defense is going to need to be good here.
Penn State Nittany Lions Team Facts
- The home team has won each of the last six games between Iowa and Penn State.
- Each of Penn State’s last nine games against non-AP-ranked opponents have produced a total of 157 or fewer points.
- Penn State has won the first half in eight of its last nine games at Bryce Jordan Center.
Iowa Hawkeyes Team Facts
- Iowa has lost 10 of its last 11 road night games against the Big Ten Conference.
- Each of Iowa’s last eight road night games against Conference opponents have produced a total of 160 or fewer points.
- Iowa has lost the first half in five of its last six road games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
Iowa vs Penn State Betting Prediction
I think Iowa is going to have a slip up here. Penn State in the last game scored 85 points, and this Iowa team still has very little interest in playing defense. Iowa is giving up 77.2 points and they are going to really struggle to defend here. Iowa should still score plenty, but it’s not going to be enough to get the job done here. It’s going to be another key win for Penn State. Back Penn State against the spread.