Iowa at Michigan Preview and Betting Pick
On Thursday two top 10 teams will be taking each other on in NCAA men’s basketball. No.3 Michigan will be taking on No. 9 Iowa at the Crisler Center in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Michigan is coming off a win against No.4 Ohio State and Iowa is on a four-game win streak which has put them in the No. 4 spot in the Big Ten.
Iowa at Michigan Preview: Iowa Hawkeyes
The Iowa Hawkeyes will be taking on a very difficult Michigan team on the road. This match-up will be a real test for the Hawkeyes. The Big Ten has 4 teams that are in the top 10 and the Hawkeyes have proven they can play against the best.
With a Win Thursday, the Hawkeyes take their small chance for a regular-season conference title and make it a possible reality. As a team Iowa puts up an average of 86.4 points per game, 72.8 points allowed, 41.1 rebounds, 19.6 assists, 4.3 blocks, and 5.6 steals.
Seniors Luka Garza, Joe Wieskamp, and Jordan Bohannon have combined to account for 57% of the teams scoring this season. Wisekamp has taken 113 shots from beyond the arc and has hit 49.6% of them.
As we all know Luka is the key player for Iowa. The Wooden Player of the Year frontrunner is leading the NCAA with 24.5 points per game on an impressive 56% shooting. He put up 26 points and 9.5 rebounds in his last two games.
Garza will have a great battle with the Wolverines big man Hunter Dickinson and will be at a height disadvantage. Garza will have to use his footwork and physicality to beat freshman Hunter Dickinson.
Projected Iowa Lineup:
Starting the game will be Luka Garza (C), Jordan Bohannon (G), Connor McCaffery (G), Joe Weiskamp (G), and CJ Fredrick (G).
Iowa at Michigan Preview: A Look at the Wolverines
The Wolverines have won 5 straight since taking their only loss of the season. This season Michigan has put 79.2 points per game, 66.2 points allowed, 38.9 rebounds, 15.8 assists, 5.0 blocks, and 4.3 steals.
In Michigan’s huge win against Ohio State, the Wolverines shot 53.4% from the field and hit 11 of 23 shots from beyond the arc. If you have watched Michigan this season they have the skill to adapt to their opponent’s strengths and win in the end.
Dickinson was relied on for help and stability against the Buckeyes so expect to see the same against Iowa.
Hunter Dickinson is going to be the key player for Michigan in this matchup. The battle in the paint is what will be the deciding factor in this game and the Wolverines have the right man for that.
Dickinson is 7’1” and is taller than everyone he has to be matched up against. His height is a bonus to the skills he has. The freshman is averaging 15 points and 7.8 rebounds making his presence known.
Garza will be Dickinson’s toughest matchup this year so he will have to leave it all out on the court to continue the Wolverines winning streak.
Projected Michigan Lineup:
Starting will be Isaiah Livers (G), Hunter Dickinson (F), Eli Brooks (G), Franz Wagner (F), and Mike Smith (G).
Iowa vs Michigan Prediction:
The Wolverines have defeated team after team this season. The Hawkeyes will need to be near perfect on offense in order to pull off this road upset. Michigan’s sharpshooters and size in the paint puts them in the position to be the winners of this matchup.
