Michigan vs Iowa Prediction & Picks: Struggling Squads Seek Vital Victory

The college basketball season is still in its early stages, but it’s already Desperation Station time for Michigan and Iowa, who will face off this afternoon in Iowa City (4:30 pm ET, Big Ten Network).

The Wolverines (4-5) opened the season with wins in their first three games, including a 16-point win over St. John’s at Madison Square Garden.

The win over the Red Storm appeared to indicate that good things could be ahead even after losing Hunter Dickinson, Jett Howard, and Kobe Bufkin from last season’s team. But since that win at MSG, the Wolverines have won just once in six games, and they enter today’s game on a three-game losing streak.

Bet on Michigan vs Iowa and Much More at BetOnline

Can they avoid a fourth straight loss and a sixth defeat in seven games? The Hawkeyes (5-4) aren’t flourishing either, as they were easily brushed aside at Purdue and Iowa State in their last two games and are 3-4 in their last seven games.

Both teams have played quality opposition early, so their hopes for March Madness aren’t in the tank by any means if they can get on a good run and do well in Big Ten play.

But when both teams could end up on or around the bubble come March, these are the kinds of games that are absolutely necessary to win.

Michigan vs Iowa Odds

Odds are courtesy of BetOnline.

Spread

• Michigan +4 (-110)
• Iowa -4 (-110)

Over/Under

• Over 160 (-105)
• Under 160 (-115)

Moneyline

• Michigan +155
• Iowa -175

Close But No Cigar Again for Michigan?

Other than a 16-point loss to Texas Tech at the Battle 4 Atlantis in the Bahamas, the Wolverines haven’t been blown away in any of their losses.

That isn’t any consolation, of course, especially given that one of their five losses is a home loss to Long Beach State, who trailed by 16 in the first half before storming back and putting up 94 points at Crisler Center.

In their two most recent games, Michigan let opportunity slip through their fingers at Oregon and at home against Indiana, which could prove very costly come Selection Sunday.

In Eugene, they led with under a minute left after a Dug McDaniel three and had the opportunity to extend the lead at the charity stripe on two occasions.

But Olivier Nkamhoua missed the front end of a one-and-one that could have put the Wolverines up three, and after a defensive stop, Nkamhoua made only one of two, which gave the Ducks the opportunity to send the game to overtime, where they won it on a three in the final seconds.

Against the Hoosiers, the game was up for grabs in the late stages, but once again, the Wolverines didn’t get it done. And once again, free throws were a factor, as they missed three key foul shots down the stretch.

That Michigan has been so close is both discouraging and encouraging when it comes to today and the weeks to come.

The Hawkeyes have not fared well against all of their toughest opponents, and while Michigan isn’t on the level of potential title national championship contenders Purdue and Creighton or even Iowa State and Oklahoma, who have started well this season, you have to like their chances to stay in this one for the duration.

However, their issues with closing out games make it very hard to be convinced that they will be able to come away with the win at Carver-Hawkeye Arena, where Iowa has won 12 of 13.

Michigan vs Iowa Prediction and Picks

Prediction: Iowa to win

Picks: Iowa -4 (-110 at BetOnline) & Michigan/Iowa over 160 (-105 at BetOnline)

After losing by 19 at Purdue and 25 at Iowa State, Iowa needs to win today, and I think they will. It won’t come easy, as I expect Michigan to stick around until the end. But look for the Hawkeyes to pull out the win and eke out the cover in a high-scoring contest.

Where to Bet on College Basketball

If you are looking for college basketball odds, you will always be spoiled for choice.

Sports betting sites all over the internet offer a vast array of NCAA basketball odds throughout the season, from the opening tip in November to the conclusion of the season in early April.

Along with being able to bet on countless games, many online sportsbooks offer men’s college basketball national championship odds, women’s college basketball national championship odds, men’s Wooden Award odds, women’s Wooden Award odds, and odds on who will win early season and conference tournaments.

Below are some of the books that we highly recommend for college basketball betting:

• BetDSI
• BetOnline
• BetUS
• Bookmaker
• Bovada
• MyBookie
• Sportsbetting.ag

If you don’t have an account at a book on this list, check out our reviews to help you determine if it is worth your interest and your betting funds.

Other College Basketball Content

• College Basketball Betting Guide
• Men’s Wooden Award Winner Odds
• Women’s Wooden Award Winner Odds