In this matchup, both teams are looking for a win to boost their tournament hopes. Michigan looks for another win after struggling early in the season. Iowa looks to continue its three-game win streak.
TV schedule: January 17, 2022, on ESPN at 7:00 P.M
Location: Carver-Hawkeye Arena
The Michigan Wolverines go into this game with a record of 13-10. Their ten losses have come against Ohio State, Purdue, Rutgers, Illinois, Michigan State, North Carolina, Minnesota, UCF, Arizona, and Seton Hall. Their best win on the season came against Purdue.
Offensively, the Wolverines are led by Hunter Dickinson. Dickinson is averaging 18 points per game on 56 percent shooting. Dickinson is also averaging eight rebounds per game. Another notable scorer for Michigan is Eli Brooks. Brooks is averaging 12 points per game on 43 percent shooting.
The Wolverines come into the season touted as one of the best teams in the country. In the early part of the season, Michigan struggled mightily. Although the Wolverines had a slow start to the season they were able to pick up key victories recently.
The Iowa Hawkeyes go into this game with a record of 17-7. Their seven losses have come against Purdue (twice), Wisconsin, Rutgers, Iowa State, Penn State, and Illinois. Their best win on the season came against Indiana.
Offensively, the Hawkeyes are led by Keegan Murray. Murray is averaging 23 points per game on 57 percent shooting. Murray is also averaging 8 rebounds per game. Iowa’s offense is fourth in points per game. The Hawkeyes score 84 points per game and are coming off performances of 110 and 98 points in the past two games. The 57 that the Wolverines put up in the last game against Ohio State won’t do it if they want to keep up in this one.
The Michigan Wolverines will continue their push to the tournament with a win. Even though Iowa’s dominant offense will keep this game tight, the Hawkeyes will be unable to stop Hunter Dickinson.
Prediction: Michigan: 76 Iowa: 72