The Matchup: Iowa (12-2, 1-0 B1G) vs. Wisconsin (14-0, 1-0 B1G)
When: 7pm CT
Where: Madison, WI – Kohl Center
TV: BTN
Radio: Badger Sports Network
All-Time Series: 79-78 Iowa leads
Last Meeting: 74-70 OT Wisconsin win
The Opposition:
Wisconsin has faced some great teams on the schedule this year already, but Iowa may be the best one yet. They've also been a major thorn in the side for UW, winning three of the last four meetings. This will also be Hawkeyes' forward Jarrod Uthoff's first visit to the Kohl Center after his controversial transfer from Wisconsin.
He's been lighting it up off the bench — averaging 10.6 points, a team-best 6.5 rebounds and is shooting 57 percent from the field. Now you know why coach Bo Ryan didn't want to let the guy go without a fight?
Uthoff isn't the only worry Wisconsin will have. Devyn Marble and Aaron White both average over 13 points per game as starters and they lead a team that is averaging 87.1 points a game on offense.
Iowa isn't just getting it done offensively either as they have a +22.2 scoring margin so far this season, but looking at its schedule, the Hawkeyes haven't played anyone nearly the caliber of Wisconsin. It's biggest challenge was a trip to Ames to take on the now No. 13 ranked Iowa State Cyclones and it was a three point loss (85-82).
The Hawkeyes also lost at home to a tough Villanova squad as well. Point being, when Iowa has been challenged by a team on their level or better they've lost each and every time.
Key Matchup:
Aaron White vs. Frank Kaminsky — The two big men mean a lot to their respective teams and both play well inside and out. If the Badgers or Hawkeyes want to win they will need to win this matchup and get their big men going. Kaminsky's defensive game has been really underrated as the attention goes to his improvement on the offensive end. Watch this matchup to key tempo and who wins.
Prediction: Wisconsin 77, Iowa 72
As much as Iowa has been a thorn in the side of the Badgers as of late, let us not forget that Wisconsin is 15-7 at home against Iowa under Bo Ryan. Chances are UW wins at home just on the historical odds alone. However, there's a big reason for this pick from me — Wisconsin isn't the Wisconsin of old. The biggest issue Wisconsin has had with Fran McCafferey coached teams in the past is keep up with the pace. Sorry, but that isn't the case anymore, as the Badgers are capable of playing uptempo basketball on their own. Add it all together and Wisconsin should be able to pass this test, but it will be close.
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