The Iowa Hawkeyes barely have time to recover after defeating UCLA at home before returning to Big Ten action. On Tuesday night, Ben McCollum’s team travels north to Williams Arena for a tough road game against the Minnesota Golden Gophers. This game could reveal a lot about Iowa’s position as conference play intensifies. Iowa enters the contest with a 12–2 overall record and a 2–1 mark in the Big Ten, carrying momentum from a gritty win over the Bruins. Minnesota, on the other hand, is 2-1 in league play and 9-5 overall, making this an early-season conference matchup between two teams that already appear to be very similar in style and strategy.
The numbers provide an intriguing picture for both fans and bettors. Iowa opens as a 6.5-point road favorite, according to DraftKings odds released on Monday, January 5. The Hawkeyes are listed at -110 against the spread, while Minnesota is listed at +6.5 at the same price. Again, both the over and under are priced at -110, and the game’s over-under is set at 131.5 points. It’s a statement that captures both Iowa’s recent success and the preferred style of play of both teams.
On paper, Minnesota is similar to Iowa in many aspects. The Gophers aim to maintain control over the pace, play effective offense, and defend at a high level. A track meet is of no interest to either team. The fact that this game pits two of the slowest-paced teams in the nation virtually ensures a half-court contest characterized by discipline, patience, and extended possessions.
Iowa usually wins that kind of game. Defending every square inch of the court and making opponents work hard for everything have been central to the Hawkeyes’ identity. At just 60.1 points per game, they are currently ranked fourth in the country for points allowed. Iowa can dictate style thanks to its defensive foundation, particularly when playing teams that already favor slowing things down.
Thus far, Minnesota’s offense has proven to be a glaring weakness. The Gophers have had trouble consistently converting quality looks and are ranked 269th in the country for scoring. They do make up for it with strong defense, giving up just 65.7 points per game, but scoring droughts have been a persistent problem. Those dry spells can be costly against an Iowa team that doesn’t often defeat itself.
As a coach, Ben McCollum thrives in precisely this kind of setting. Efficiency, poise, and making the correct read possession after possession are key components of his approach. Iowa wears teams down by making them match execution on both ends rather than overwhelming them with speed. Bennett Stirtz’s recent performance is a major factor in Iowa’s confidence going into Minneapolis. Stirtz has scored 22 and 27 points in the Hawkeyes’ last two games, shooting a combined 15-for-23 from the field. Crucially, he has contributed 13 assists in that time, demonstrating his ability to punish opponents whether or not they concentrate on stopping him. It is very difficult to contain Iowa’s offense when Stirtz is performing at that level.
It is anticipated that Iowa will fully capitalize on its advantages. The Hawkeyes are at ease taking advantage of errors, defending without fouling, and grinding out possessions. Minnesota will attempt to make this a low-scoring, physical game, but Iowa is more than capable of handling that. If anything, the Hawkeyes benefit greatly from it. This road trip is a crucial opportunity because there is a big matchup against Illinois on Saturday back home. In addition to raising Iowa’s Big Ten standing, a victory in Minneapolis would demonstrate that the team can travel, maintain discipline, and win ugly if needed.
That confidence is reflected in the anticipated result. According to the prediction, Iowa will overcome the 6.5-point spread by pulling away late and winning 69–60. Iowa minus the points is therefore the best option for this matchup. The Big Ten Network will broadcast the tipoff, which is set for 7 p.m. CT. The Big Ten Network app allows fans to watch the game live.
As usual, there is risk involved in betting. You should only wager money that you can afford to lose. There are no guarantees regarding results or financial gain, even though analysis and information are meant to be accurate and beneficial. Odds are subject to sudden change, and past performance does not guarantee future outcomes. Local laws governing sports betting differ, and it is the individual’s duty to abide by them. There are national resources for assistance if gambling turns into a problem.
