Michigan Wolverines vs. Iowa Hawkeyes Free NCAAB Pick, 1–17–2020
Free NCAAB Pick by Pete Mac of SportsInvestorCentral.com
Michigan Wolverines (11–5) vs. Iowa Hawkeyes (12–5)
Time: Friday, January 17, 9:00 PM EST
Current Odds: Iowa -4.5
The 19th ranked Michigan Wolverines are on the road for a clash with the Iowa Hawkeyes in a Big 10 battle from Carver-Hawkeye Arena. The Wolverines are (11–5), coming off a 75–67 loss to Minnesota. The Hawkeyes are (12–5), after getting past Northwestern on the road, 75–62. The Home team is 4–1 ATS the last 5 meetings.
Michigan has played an up and down season despite their ranking in the Top 20. The Wolverines have dropped two out of their last three games overall to dip to (2–3) in Big Ten play. Michigan has been almost unbeatable at home (10–1) but they have struggled on the road going (1–4) Away. The Wolverines score an average of 77.9 points while allowing 68.6 points per game with four players scoring in double figures, led by senior C Jon Teske. Teske scores an average of 14.3 points per game with a team-high 7.9 rebounds and 2.1 blocked shots per game. Michigan had little trouble beating Iowa on December 6th, 103–91 and covering as -7 point home favorites.
Iowa, like Michigan, has been a tough out at home going 9–1 on their home court and (3–3) in Big 10 conference play. 6'11" center Luke Garza leads the Hawkeyes averaging 22.3 PPG and 10.4 RPG and will do battle with Michigan center Jon Teske. Garza scored 44 points against Michigan last month but he’ll need more help from his team if they expect a different result. Iowa is scoring an average of 79.3 points (29th) while allowing 68.9 PPG on defense.
Michigan has a propensity to start slow offensively which doesn’t bode well while playing on the road. The Wolverines are 0–4 ATS in their last 4 road games and I think their road woes continue tonight vs. Iowa. The Hawkeyes are 6–0 ATS in their last 6 home games and the favorite is 9–4 ATS in the last 13 meetings between these teams. Iowa is a different team at home and the same can be said about Michigan on the road. Take the Hawkeyes -4.5 to pull away late in the game.
Michigan vs. Iowa Free NCAAB Pick: Iowa Hawkeyes -4.5
