Indiana basketball vs Iowa: Game info, preview and prediction
Indiana basketball comes home to take on Iowa after a grueling win at Michigan State, flipping the script 180 degrees coming out with more passion and heart than they’ve shown all year.
After dropping seven in a row, Indiana put it all on the floor in a contest that can turn their season around, in their win against Michigan State over the weekend.
The team looks to build on the momentum when Iowa comes to Bloomington on Thursday night.
Iowa, ranked 20 by the AP poll, is coming off a tremendous fifteen point blowout win versus the Michigan Wolverines.
Leading up to the Michigan State game, Athletic Director Fred Glass said that IU basketball is a serious rebuild right now. However, having arguably the best win in the Big Ten, the Hoosiers can build on that performance and make the tournament for the first time since 2016.
Two players to watch out for the Hawkeyes are forwards Tyler Cook and Luka Garza.
Cook is averaging 16.2 points along with 8.1 rebounds per game, while Garza is averaging 15.1 points as well as 4.8 rebounds per game.
When asked about Garza, Archie Miller stated
"“He’s got tremendous size and he’s got a really, really good game in terms of being able to score around the basket and also bring you away from the basket at times. So to me he’s one of the most improved players in the league”"
Look for De’Ron Davis as well as Juwan Morgan to play a larger role in trying to neutralize the Hawkeyes duo.
After a good showing against Michigan State, keep an eye on Jake Forrester’s minutes and production as his play could provide much needed depth for the Hoosiers moving forward. Clifton Moore can also help on both ends to spot Morgan and Davis some minutes.
The Hoosiers were very fortunate that Juwan’s shoulder injury last game was treatable and just a scare, as he has practiced all week in anticipation to the matchup against Iowa.
Keys to the game
Indiana has to close out on the perimeter as Iowa is 2nd in the Big Ten with a 37.2 three point percentage, only behind Michigan State.
The Hoosiers have to watch out for Jordan Bohannon (10.3 PPG) as well as Freshman Joe Wieskamp (11.4 PPG) who are shooting 38 and 42 percent, respectively, from beyond the arc.
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Indiana’s intensity throughout the game is the difference of a win or loss. If they can play with the same fierceness like they did against Michigan State then I believe they can win. However, if they play like the uninspired team that lost by eight to Rutgers, the game will be over before it started.
ESPN’s BPI puts the Hoosiers at a 57 percent chance to take home the victory.
What you need to know
What? Iowa 17-5 (6-5) at Indiana 13-9 (4-7)
When? Thursday, February 7 – 9:00 pm EST
Where? Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall-Bloomington, IN
TV? ESPN
Radio? Indiana Radio Network; Sirius XM 84
All-Time Series? Indiana leads series, 103-76
Prediction? Indiana 74, Iowa 73