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Jan 31, 2021; Evanston, Illinois, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights guard Ron Harper Jr. (24) controls the ball against Northwestern Wildcats forward Pete Nance (22) during the first half at Welsh-Ryan Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
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Jan 31, 2021; Evanston, Illinois, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights guard Ron Harper Jr. (24) controls the ball against Northwestern Wildcats forward Pete Nance (22) during the first half at Welsh-Ryan Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
NCAA Basketball action will continue when the #15 ranked Iowa Hawkeyes face the #25 Rutgers Scarlet Knights. Both teams have had some lows this season, but are currently ranked. The Hawkeyes are at the lowest spot they have been this season, while Rutgers had to fight back into the rankings after losing their spot.
The Hawkeyes are 13-6 this season. They are coming off two losses to the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Indiana Hoosiers. This led to their lowest ranking in the AP Poll this season. However, a win here would put them back in top-ten contention instantly.
đź•° Rutgers-Iowa Time Change đź•°
Iowa's Wednesday game will move from a 6 p.m. CT) start to 6:30 p.m. (CT) to accommodate a rescheduled game added to the Wednesday slate. #Hawkeyes
— Iowa Basketball (@IowaHoops) February 8, 2021
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The Scarlet Knights had a good run to start the season but fell to a five-game losing streak. They even lost a game to the Hawkeyes in that run, along with dropping games to Ohio State, Michigan State, Penn State, among others.
Who wins this crucial Big 10 clash?
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NCAA Basketball: Will the Hawkeyes end their losing streak?
While two games are nothing to lose sleep over, the Hawkeyes’ legitimacy as contenders has been tested. They are losing games they shouldn’t and their record becomes poorer with every loss. However, their team has enough weapons to arrest this sort of a run.
USA Today via Reuters
Jan 10, 2021; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes center Luka Garza (55) reacts with guard Jordan Bohannon (3) against the Minnesota Golden Gophers during the first half at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
The Scarlet Knights are currently on a four-game win streak. This has helped them find their momentum once again. They are one of the most solid defensive teams in the country, and they match up really well against the Hawkeyes. This could possibly be one of the bigger tests for this Iowa team that looks bereft of momentum.
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The Scarlet Knights will line up with Geo Bakers, Paul Mulcahy, Caleb McConnell, Ron Harper Jr., and Myles Johnson. Meanwhile, the Hawkeyes will take the floor with Jordan Bohannon, Joe Wisekamp, Connor McCaffery, newcomer Keegan Murray, and Luka Garza.
For our prediction, we have the Scarlet Knights pulling off a big win. Iowa looks a little out-of-sorts and the defensive matchup against the Knights is just not at the best time. One team is rolling, while the other is struggling.
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