Location: Carver Hawkeye Arena
Date: February, 19th.
Time: 8 PM EST. Big 10 Network.
Background Information:
3 seconds. Iowa was 3 seconds away from losing to one of the worst teams in the Big 10 and a resume-diminishing loss. Until hero Joe Wieskamp banked in an awkward looking 3 pointer at the buzzer to win the game for the Hawkeyes and keeping them in the hunt for a Big 10 Championship and a Top 16 seed in the Tournament.
After tripping up to end January and begin February with losses to #6 Michigan State and at. Minnesota, Iowa has won 4 in a row that includes a top 5 Michigan team by 15 points. Junior F Tyler Cook has been an all-around baller, averaging 16.3 PPG on 8.1 Rebounds per contest. One player that has played well in conference play has been Guard Jordan Bohannon. He’s been shooting 46% from 3 point range and is averaging just 5 3 point shots per contest.
For Maryland, it’s been a brutal slate as they’ve been a bit inconsistent with their results in games. But Maryland’s conference slate might be the toughest in all of College Basketball. Maryland has faced 6 ranked opponents so far on the season and have 2 more upcoming (including Iowa). Maryland is coming off of a 65-52 loss on the road in the Crisler Arena against #6 Michigan and are looking to bounce back with another.
Bruno Fernando has been leading the charge for the Terrapins as he averages a double-double with 14 PPG and 10.6 Rebounds Per Game. Aaron Wiggins is another player to keep your eye on as he has 41/45/80 splits in conference play. This game will determine whether Iowa can stay in the Big 10 race (and with some help as well) or if Maryland can get a huge road win and create some momentum heading down the stretch of February.
Keys to a Win for Maryland:
Have your shot blockers ready to play. Iowa has slashing guards like Isaiah Moss and Jordan Bohannon, and Maryland is one of the best teams in sending shots back as they do. Iowa is also a really good scoring team (30th in PPG in the nation), so Maryland is going to have to play man coverage to make sure they don’t leave any holes in their defense.
This is a game Maryland has a better shot than some people think to walk out with a win. But it’s going to need some big performances from their best players and even some magic with them being in a road atmosphere.
Keys to a Win for Iowa:
Maryland has a really good defense, but lacks more from defending the perimeter. Iowa is 3rd in the conference in 3 Point Field Goal percentage as that could be the difference maker in this contest. This could be a game where Joe Wieskamp or Isaiah Moss (both 45% from 3) becomes extremely important and might be relied on in big time situations
Final Verdict:
Back to back weeks, my picks have been incorrect. Iowa is building some energy and momentum off of a game winning shot. While Maryland is coming off a 13 point loss. Iowa at home is able to hang on and stay in the hunt. Iowa 76, Maryland 70.
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