Iowa vs Wisconsin: Odds, Predictions & Key Insights | January 3, 2025
Written by: Colby Marchio
Published: Fri Jan 03, 2025, 2:07 pm ET
Read Time: 4 minutes
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The Kohl Center in Madison sets the stage for a compelling Big Ten matchup as Wisconsin hosts Iowa, with both teams entering at 10-3. While Iowa thrives at home, their struggles on the road have been a recurring theme, especially in shooting and rebounding. Wisconsin's disciplined defense and ability to control tempo make this a fascinating clash of styles that could hinge on execution and pace.
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Iowa vs Wisconsin Odds
Can Wisconsin slow down Iowa and secure the home victory?
Odds are courtesy of BetOnline, a longtime fixture among the top online sports betting sites. Check out our BetOnline sportsbook review, then bag a big bonus (100% if your first deposit is with Bitcoin, Ethereum, or another cryptocurrency) to bet on College Basketball games.
Spread
Iowa: +6.5 (-105)
Wisconsin: -6.5 (-115)
Total
Over: 162.5 (+100)
Under: 162.5 (-120)
Moneyline
Iowa: +130
Wisconsin: -150
Iowa vs Wisconsin Predictions
A Big Ten showdown at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin, sees the Badgers hosting the Hawkeyes. Both teams enter the game at 10-3, but who will leave at 11-3? Who cares, we are only worried about the total. We are zeroed in on the under.
Iowa Away From Home
The Iowa Hawkeyes have consistently struggled away from Carver-Hawkeye Arena. This season is no different. In four road games, they rank 211th in three-point shooting percentage, a sharp contrast to their impressive 38th ranking at home. Adding to their woes, Iowa sits at 322nd in free throw percentage. On the boards, they are abysmal, ranking in the high 200s and mid-300s in offensive and defensive rebounding during road games.
Defensively, both teams excel at limiting opponents. Iowa ranks in the top 15 in three-point defense, while Wisconsin ranks 62nd in the same category. The Badgers also hold their own in two-point defense, ranked 77th nationally. However, Iowa struggles in this area, ranking a dismal 283rd in two-point defense. While this could pose a concern for keeping the total under, Wisconsin's ability to stifle Iowa's offense should offset any issues.
Discipline is a strength for both teams, as neither sends opponents to the free-throw line often. Iowa is ranked 8th in free throw rate defense, and Wisconsin is 76th at home. Offensively, Iowa ranks 320th in free throw rate, making them one of the worst teams at getting to the line. This combination—low fouls and limited trips to the line—is ideal for the under.
Slow Down Iowa
The tempo will likely favor Wisconsin, which runs at a methodical pace, ranking in the top 190 nationally at home. Iowa, on the other hand, prefers a much faster game, ranked in the top 25. The Badgers will aim to slow Iowa down, forcing them out of their rhythm.
Given Iowa's poor shooting performances on the road and their overachieving display against New Hampshire—where they shot 60% from the floor and nearly 35% from deep—this feels like a prime spot for the total to stay under. Adding to the case, Wisconsin has not played in nearly two weeks, which could introduce some rust.
Death. Taxes. Fading Iowa's offense away from home.
Bet: Full Game Under 162.5 on BetOnline
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Former D1 (club) baseball player, Colby has been betting since his college days at DePaul, where he had to endure the worst collegiate basketball the Big East has ever seen. He is an advanced analytics nerd and has never seen an underdog he has not liked. Hot. Corn. Bull. It does not matter the dog he loves them all.
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