Maryland vs Iowa Basketball Prediction, Odds & Picks: Will the hot Hawkeyes keep rolling at home?

Eddie Griffin

It took a stunning late comeback and overtime, but Iowa picked up a third straight win on Thursday night. This afternoon, the Hawkeyes (11-6, 3-3 Big Ten) will look to make it four straight wins as they host Maryland (11-5, 2-3 Big Ten).

This conference clash in Iowa City, which is the final game of today’s college basketball schedule, is set for a 4:30 pm ET (3:30 pm local time) tip and will be televised by the Big Ten Network.

Against visiting Michigan on Thursday, Iowa trailed 77-70 with less than two minutes remaining.

But thanks to two three-pointers by Payton Sandfort, the latter of which was converted into a game-tying four-point play, forced overtime, and the Hawkeyes dominated the extra period in the 93-84 win over the Wolverines.

Today’s challenge will come from the Terrapins, who are coming off of an 80-73 win over #24 Ohio State. It was a welcome win, as they had lost three straight Big Ten games and five of seven games overall since a win over Illinois.

Who will come out on top at Carver-Hawkeye Arena? Read on for our Maryland vs Iowa basketball prediction and picks.

Maryland vs Iowa Odds

Odds are via FanDuel as of Sunday, January 15, 2023, at 12:40 pm ET. Odds from our other recommended legal sports betting sites may also be mentioned in this article.

Spread

  • Maryland +5.5 (-110)
  • Iowa -5.5 (-110)

Over/Under

  • Over 151.5 (-110)
  • Under 151.5 (-110)

Moneyline

  • Maryland +188
  • Iowa -230

Maryland’s Road Fortunes Unlikely to Change at Iowa

In my other college basketball betting piece today, I take a look at the Memphis vs Temple game, which sees the Tigers try to end their road struggles and pick up a needed win for their NCAA Tournament hopes.

For Maryland, the aim is the same in Iowa City. But while I’m backing Memphis to take care of business in Philadelphia, I don’t see the same thing happening for the Terps.

The win over the Buckeyes was just what the doctor ordered, with all five starters scoring in double figures, led by Jahmir Young’s 30 points (as well as 11 rebounds).

But that offense has been sorely lacking on the road in conference play.

  • Wisconsin (lost 64-59): 21-55 FG (38.2%), 10 of 24 3PT (41.7%), 11 of 31 2PT (35.5%), 7-12 FT (58.3%)
  • Michigan (lost 81-46): 18 of 68 FG (26.5%), 5 of 25 3PT (20%), 13 of 43 2PT (30.2%), 5 of 9 FT (55.5%)
  • Rutgers (lost 64-50): 19 of 46 FG (41.3%), 8 of 22 3PT (36.4%), 11 of 24 2PT (45.8%), 4 of 9 FT (44.4%)

Iowa’s certainly no defensive juggernaut, as the Hawkeyes rank 123rd in the country in defensive efficiency.

But it is a lot to ask Maryland to do what they will likely need to do offensively to keep up with Iowa, who has scored at least 75 points in 14 straight home games.

Maryland vs Iowa Prediction and Picks

Maryland vs Iowa Prediction: Iowa 83, Maryland 75

Maryland vs Iowa Picks: Iowa team total over 78.5 (Best Value: FanDuel & BetRivers) & Maryland/Iowa first half over 71.5 (Best Value: Caesars Sportsbook & BetMGM)

I lean towards Iowa covering as they keep up their recent run, but I don’t love the number enough to jump on it or recommend it.

But I do recommend backing their team total, and I also love the over for the first half.

In Iowa’s win streak, there were 90 first-half points in the Indiana game, 72 first-half points in the Rutgers game, and 83 first-half points in the Michigan game, with the Hawkeyes scoring 40, 42, and 40 points, respectively.

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Eddie Griffin

Eddie Griffin has been writing about and betting on sports for over a decade. He joined the ranks of Betting News as a content manager. For more of his thoughts on sports and sports betting, you can follow him on Twitter.

Eddie Griffin has been writing about and betting on sports for over a decade. He joined the ranks of Betting News as a content manager. For more of his thoughts on sports and sports betting, you can follow him on Twitter.