It’s been a great start to the 2020-21 college basketball season for the third-ranked Iowa Hawkeyes.
With four double-digit wins already under their belt, will Iowa be able to put a hurting on in-state rival Iowa State tonight?
Oddsmakers like the Hawkeyes to keep the momentum going. Do Iowa sports bettors see it the same way?
How to watch Iowa State at Iowa
- What: Iowa State (1-1, 0-0 away) at No. 3 Iowa (4-0, 4-0 home)
- When: 8 tonight CST, Dec. 11
- Where: Carver-Hawkeye Arena
- TV: Big Ten Network
- Online Livestream: Fox Sports Go
- Radio: Hawkeye Radio Network
- Satellite Radio: Sirius Channel 84; XM Channel 84
- Online Radio Stream: Hawkeyesports.com
- Live Stats: Hawkeyesports.com
Oddsmakers like Iowa to roll
With its strong start, the oddsmakers are soundly behind Iowa for tonight’s clash.
| Iowa State at Iowa Basketball Odds | DraftKings | FanDuel | PointsBet | William Hill |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Point spread (-110 juice unless noted) | ISU +14 IOWA -14 | ISU +14.5 -118 IOWA -14.5 -104 | ISU +14 IOWA -14 | ISU +14 IOWA -14 |
| Moneyline | ISU +750 IOWA -1430 | ISU +980 IOWA -1800 | N/A | N/A |
| Total points (-110 juice unless noted) | O 159 U 159 -112 | O 158.5 -106 U 158.5 -114 | O 158 U 158 | O 158.5 U 158.5 |
Most of the sportsbooks are listing Iowa as a 14-point home favorite against Iowa State. FanDuel has the Hawkeyes as a 14.5-point favorite tonight.
The moneyline is only available from a few books. Iowa has a big range of -1430 to -1800. Iowa State is getting a range of odds from +750 to +980. The over/under is ranging from 158 to 159 points depending on the sportsbook.
Iowa State looking to narrow series
These two in-state foes have met 73 times in their history. Iowa holds the edge in the all-time series with a 46-27 advantage.
Over the last 11 years, Iowa State has been able to take some control, winning seven of the last 11 meetings.
Iowa is currently on a two-game win streak in the series and the Hawkeyes have been the play for Iowa sports bettors.
Over the last eight encounters, Iowa is 6-1-1 against the spread against the Cyclones.
The over has also been a strong play, with these two hitting it in eight of their last 10 meetings.
Other notable trends show Iowa State is 1-6 ATS in their last seven road games. Iowa is 17-4-2 ATS in its last 23 home games.
When it comes to public betting, it is Iowa that is getting more support. Of the bets placed, 55% are going on Iowa as the home favorite.
Hawkeyes run past North Carolina to stay unbeaten
Iowa is coming off its best win of the season on Tuesday night, a 93-80 victory over No. 16 North Carolina.
The win moves Iowa to 4-0 on the season and 3-1 against the spread.
North Carolina didn’t have an answer for the Iowa offense, which ranks fifth nationally (98.0 ppg). Iowa knocked down 17 3-pointers in the win, shooting 42.5% from the arc.
Luka Garza didn’t have one of his stronger scoring games, putting up just 16 points on six of 20 shooting. However, he still showed his all-around impact by racking up 14 rebounds and four blocks.
FanDuel still sees Garza as the clear favorite to win the John R. Wooden Award for this season. They list Garza at -150 to win.
Tuesday’s win was a balanced scoring effort, as four starters had 16 points or more. Jordan Bohannon led the way with 24 points and six assists while knocking down seven three-pointers. CJ Fredrick added 21 points and hit five three-pointers.
Defensively, Iowa is giving up 70.3 points per game but holding opponents to just 39% shooting from the field and 29.1 percent from the arc.
Iowa State back in action after a week off
Iowa State has played two games against modest opponents and still is just 1-1.
The Cyclones are coming off a 71-68 loss to South Dakota State on Dec. 2. Iowa State was scheduled to face DePaul, but the game was canceled due to COVID-19 protocols from the Blue Demons.
ISU’s lone win was an 80-63 victory over Arkansas-Pine Bluff, but the Cyclones didn’t cover a lofty spread and are 0-2 ATS on the season.
Iowa State is going to face a challenge to keep up with Iowa’s scoring ability. The Cyclones are shooting just 29.1% from the arc on the season. Defensively, they are allowing opponents to shoot 44.2%.
Prior to the season, Iowa State lost Ole Miss transfer guard Blake Hinson for the season due to a medical condition not related to COVID-19. He was expected to have a consistent role with the lineup.
Thus far, four different players are averaging double figures in scoring. Jalen Coleman-Lands is leading the way with 14.5 points per game. Rasir Bolton is adding 13 points, seven rebounds, six assists and three steals per contest.
