Nebraska vs Iowa Prediction College Basketball Picks 1/7/25

In this article, we will formulate a Nebraska vs Iowa prediction for this College Basketball game on Tuesday, January 7th at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City, Iowa. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this College Basketball matchup.

Nebraska Cornhuskers Betting Preview

The Nebraska Cornhuskers are 12-2 (2-1) this season after they defeated UCLA by a score of 66-58 in their last game. Nebraska was tied at 24 at halftime and they scored 42 points in the second half in the win. The Cornhuskers shot 32.7% from the field, 28% on three-pointers, and 86.2% on free throws in the game. Brice Williams led Nebraska with 16 points and six rebounds, while Andrew Morgan added 12 points and three rebounds in the win. 

Prior to that game, the Cornhuskers defeated Southern by a score of 77-43 and Oregon State by a score of 78-66. Nebraska has won six games in a row and nine of their last ten, including wins over Creighton and Indiana. Nebraska has scored 76.9 points per game and they have allowed 64.6 points per game, while also averaging 37 rebounds and 13.6 assists per game this season. Brice Williams is averaging 18.8 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game, while Connor Essegian is averaging 11.6 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 0.9 assists per game this year. Nebraska is shooting 46.2% from the field, 77.3% on free throws, and 33.9% on three-pointers this season. 

Iowa Hawkeyes Betting Preview

The Iowa Hawkeyes are 10-4 (1-2) this year after they lost to Wisconsin by a score of 116-85 in their last game. Iowa trailed 54-43 at halftime and allowed 62 points in the second half in the blowout loss. The Hawkeyes shot 48.5% from the field, 37.5% on three-pointers, and 66.7% on free throws in the game. Drew Thelwell led Iowa with 25 points and four steals, while Josh Dix added 16 points and two rebounds in the loss. 

Prior to that game, the Hawkeyes defeated New Hampshire by a score of 112-70 and Utah by a score of 95-88. Iowa has won three of its last four games and their other three losses this year were against Iowa State, Michigan, and Utah State. Iowa has scored 89.4 points per game and they have allowed 77.1 points per game, while also averaging 33.5 rebounds and 19.6 assists per game this season. Owen Freeman is averaging 16.8 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game, while Payton Sandfort is averaging 15.5 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game this year. Iowa is shooting 50.9% from the field, 67.2% on free throws, and 38.3% on three-pointers this season. 

Why Iowa will beat Nebraska

• Iowa has won each of its last 10 night games at Carver-Hawkeye Arena against non-AP-ranked opponents.
• Nebraska has lost each of its last five night games at Carver-Hawkeye Arena.

Total Points Facts

• Each of Nebraska’s last six games against non-AP-ranked opponents has produced a total of 153 or fewer points.
• Seven of Iowa’s last eight games have produced a total of 161+ points.

Nebraska vs Iowa Prediction 

Nebraska comes into this matchup looking to extend their six-game winning streak, but they did lose to Michigan State by 37 points in their last road game. The Cornhuskers knocked off #15 UCLA in their last game and their defense has really played well recently, as they have allowed 58 points or fewer in four of their last five. Iowa has a pretty high-scoring offense once again this year, but their defense is simply not good. The Hawkeyes have allowed 116, 88, 89, and 85 points in their last four games against power four opponents, but they are shooting over 50% from the field on the season. I am curious to see how Nebraska’s defense plays against this high-scoring Iowa team, but I think the Hawkeyes at home are the play, as I don’t trust Nebraska on the road. Take Iowa here.