Iowa vs Minnesota Prediction 1/6/2026 Today’s College Basketball Picks

In this article we will formulate an Iowa vs Minnesota prediction for this College Basketball game on Tuesday, January 6th at Williams Arena in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this College Basketball matchup.

Iowa Hawkeyes Betting Preview

The Iowa Hawkeyes are 12-2 (2-1) this season after they defeated UCLA by a score of 74-61 in their last game. Iowa led 40-22 at halftime, but they did allow 39 points in the second half in the win. The Hawkeyes shot 47% from the field, 31% on three pointers, and 85% on free throws in the game. Bennett Stirtz led Iowa with 27 points and five assists, while Alvaro Folgueiras added 13 points and five rebounds in the win. 

Prior to that game, Iowa defeated UMass-Lowell by a score of 90-62 and Bucknell by a score of 94-39. The Hawkeyes have scored 80.7 points per game with 31.1 rebounds and 17.1 assists per game, while they have allowed 60.1 points against per game this season. Bennett Stirtz is averaging 17.8 points and 5.2 assists per game, while Alvaro Folgueiras is averaging 9.7 points and 3.9 rebounds per game for the Hawkeyes. Iowa is shooting 52.9% from the field, 75.6% on free throws, and 38.4% on three pointers this season. 

Minnesota Golden Gophers Betting Preview

The Minnesota Golden Gophers are 9-5 (2-1) this year after they defeated Northwestern by a score of 84-78 in their last game. Minnesota was tied at 34 at halftime and they scored 50 points in the second half to get the close win. The Golden Gophers shot 55% from the field, 33% on three pointers, and 85% on free throws in the game. Cade Tyson led Minnesota with 24 points and six assists, while Isaac Asuma added 18 points and nine rebounds in the win. 

Prior to that game, Minnesota defeated FDU by a score of 60-43 and Campbell by a score of 78-50. The Golden Gophers have scored 73.5 points per game with 35.6 rebounds and 18.6 assists per game, while they have allowed 65.7 points against per game this season. Cade Tyson is averaging 22.1 points and 5.2 rebounds per game, while Jaylen Crocker-Johnson is averaging 13.0 points and 7.1 rebounds per game for the Golden Gophers. Minnesota is shooting 46.4% from the field, 69.0% on free throws, and 33.6% on three pointers this year. 

Why the Minnesota Golden Gophers will win

• Minnesota has won each of its last five night games at Williams Arena.
• Iowa has lost six of its last seven night games against the Big Ten Conference.
• Iowa has lost the first half in each of its last three night games at Williams Arena against non-AP-ranked opponents.

Why the Iowa Hawkeyes will win

• Iowa has won each of its last eight night games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
• Minnesota has lost 21 of its last 24 games against AP-ranked opponents.
• Minnesota has lost the first half in 13 of its last 15 home games against AP-ranked opponents.

Total Points Facts

• Forty-eight of Iowa’s last 50 games against Conference opponents have produced a total of 134+ points.
• Each of Minnesota’s last eight games against the Big Ten Conference have produced a total of 132+ points.

Iowa vs Minnesota Prediction 

Iowa comes into this matchup on a four game winning streak and they just beat UCLA pretty soundly last time out. The Hawkeyes are shooting 53% from the field and they have allowed 62 points or fewer in four straight games. Minnesota has also won four games in a row and picked up a nice road win against Northwestern in their last game. The Golden Gophers are shooting 46% from the field, but they have allowed 53 points or fewer in three of their last four. I think we are going to see a lower scoring game, but this total is way too low for two teams that have been decent at scoring in recent games. Take the over here.

David Racey's Pick: Over 129.5