USA Today via Reuters
Dec 20, 2020; Evanston, Illinois, USA; Northwestern Wildcats center Ryan Young (15) and forward Robbie Beran (31) celebrate a basket against the Michigan State Spartans during the second half at Welsh-Ryan Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Dec 20, 2020; Evanston, Illinois, USA; Northwestern Wildcats center Ryan Young (15) and forward Robbie Beran (31) celebrate a basket against the Michigan State Spartans during the second half at Welsh-Ryan Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
NCAA Men’s Basketball will see heavyweights Iowa Hawkeyes take on the faltering Northwestern Wildcats. The Hawkeyes are currently ranked at number 5 in the AP Top 25, while the Wildcats have been unranked for the entire season. Iowa will be looking to get a win here to keep their freight-train momentum going.
They haven’t played a game since January 10, as their game against the Michigan State Spartans was canceled after the Spartans had to enter COVID-19 protocol. Their last game was an emphatic 15-point win over the Minnesota Golden Gophers. Iowa is 11-3 this season.
Thursday's game between Iowa and Michigan State has been postponed due to issues related to COVID-19, per release.
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) January 14, 2021
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Despite showing an early spark, the Wildcats haven’t been able to hang in the Big Ten this season. They are 6-6 and are coming off a loss to the ranked Ohio State Buckeyes. They have lost their last four games.
Can the Wildcats end their losing streak? Or will the Hawkeyes repeat the 15-point win they have over NW from December?
NCAA Men’s Basketball: Iowa continues to dominate?
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The Hawkeyes are easily one of the best teams in the country this season. They may be a tier below Gonzaga and Baylor, but they are definitely up there with teams like the Texas Longhorns and the Villanova Wildcats. A win here would guarantee at least the #4 spot in the rankings for Iowa, as Texas lost a game recently and Minnesota ended Michigan‘s unbeaten streak.
USA Today via Reuters
Jan 10, 2021; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers guard Marcus Carr (5) draws a charging foul against Iowa Hawkeyes center Luka Garza (55) during the first half at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
The Wildcats have just been outplayed by superior teams in their last four games. They do not have the athleticism or the ability that many of the teams they have come up against. This game will be yet another challenge for NW.
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The Hawkeyes will start the game with Jordan Bohannon, Joe Wisekamp, Connor McCaffery, CJ Fredrick, and Luka Garza. Meanwhile, the Northwestern Wildcats will take the floor with Boo Buie, Chase Audige, Robbie Beran, Miller Kopp, and Pete Nance.
For our prediction, we have to pick the Hawkeyes. The last game between these teams was a blow-out win for Iowa. There has been no change in the 18 days since, which indicates the result could be different this time around.
