Iowa vs Northwestern

Iowa enters this matchup riding a three-game winning streak, while Northwestern has dropped five of their last six. The Wildcats are dealing with key absences, as starting center Matthew Nicholson remains sidelined with a foot injury, weakening their interior defense against Hawkeyes’ star forward Payton Sandfort. Sandfort has consistently performed well against Northwestern, averaging 18.5 points and 7.2 rebounds in their last four meetings. With Iowa's recent form and the Wildcats struggling to find consistent scoring, the value on the Hawkeyes' moneyline at +170 is solid. While Northwestern will be desperate to keep their dwindling postseason hopes alive, Iowa’s momentum and matchup advantages make them a strong underdog pick. The odds provide good value, though Northwestern’s home-court factor keeps this from being a higher-graded play.

Northwestern is in a tailspin, having dropped five straight games, and their offensive struggles are putting them in deeper trouble. To make matters worse, leading scorer Brooks Barnhizer has been ruled out with an ankle injury, removing a key playmaker from an already sputtering unit. On the other side, Iowa has played inconsistently but boasts the firepower of Payton Sandfort, who torched Northwestern for 22 points in their last matchup. However, the Hawkeyes themselves are riding a three-game skid and have shot under 40% from the field in their last two games. With both teams struggling to find consistent offensive production and Northwestern missing its top scoring option, the under looks like the safer play. The total is set high at 151.5, but expect a slower pace from the Wildcats and inefficient shooting from both squads in what could turn into a grindfest. The value isn’t overwhelming, but with the current trends, taking the under at this number has solid merit.

Northwestern finds itself in a troubling stretch, having dropped four consecutive games and struggling to generate consistent offense in Big Ten play. While Boo Buie remains the Wildcats’ primary offensive catalyst, his efficiency has taken a hit in recent weeks. Compounding their woes, defensive stalwart Brooks Barnhizer is questionable with an ankle injury, which could leave Northwestern vulnerable against Iowa's space-and-pace attack. The Hawkeyes, though inconsistent on the road, have won three of their last four, bolstered by Peyton Sandfort’s hot shooting and Tony Perkins’ defensive prowess. Historically, Iowa has fared well against Northwestern, winning five of their last six meetings, including a road victory last season. Given Northwestern’s injury concerns and recent downturn, Iowa covering the five-point spread presents solid value. While the Wildcats may battle, Iowa's more efficient offense should keep this one close.