Iowa vs Michigan prediction, college basketball game preview, how to watch: Thursday, March 3
Iowa vs Michigan How To Watch
Date: Thursday, March 3
Game Time: 9:00 ET
Venue: Crisler Center, Ann Arbor, MI
How To Watch: FS1
Record: Iowa (21-8), Michigan (15-12)
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Iowa vs Michigan Game Preview
Why Iowa Will Win
The Hawkeyes lost to Michigan a few weeks ago, and that was the only blip in February.
It won three straight before that and four straight after, cranking up its amazing offense to keep leading the Big Ten averaging 84 points per game.
Even when the shooting isn’t great, the Hawkeyes keep on scoring. It starts by dominating the boards, generating a ton of steals and points on the move, and it’s helped by being No. 1 in the nation in assist-to-turnover ratio.
On the flip side, Michigan has lost three of its last five games with a hit-or-miss attack from the outside and without enough offensive rebounds to make up for the slowdowns and inconsistencies.
But …
Why Michigan Will Win
What did Michigan do to beat Iowa the first time around?
It cranked up the defense that held Iowa to just 22% from three, but it won on the free throw line. The Wolverines made five more than The Hawkeyes did, and that might have to happen again.
Iowa will make at least 15 free throws, because that’s what it does – it gets to the line a whole lot. Michigan made 22-of-25 free throws in the loss to Illinois a few days ago, and it has to attack enough to force enough fouls to slow things down and match Iowa’s offense in some way.
Iowa leads the Big Ten in made free throws. Michigan needs to make that a non-factor.
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What’s Going To Happen
Michigan really, really, really needs this.
Iowa’s offense travels, though.
There was a problem earlier in the season, but it’s find a groove over the last few weeks with three straight road wins thanks to the offense that’s been red hot.
Michigan will be able to keep up for stretches, but it won’t have the offense – or the free throws – to come through late.
Iowa vs Michigan Prediction, Lines
Iowa 84, Michigan 78
Line: COMING, o/u: COMING
ATS Confidence out of 5: COMING
Must See Rating: 3
5: Tyrannosaurus regina
1: Tyrannosaurus imperator
