Rutgers vs Iowa Prediction 1/20/2026 Today’s College Basketball Picks

In this article we will formulate a Rutgers vs Iowa prediction for this College Basketball game on Tuesday, January 20th at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City, Iowa. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this College Basketball matchup.

Rutgers Scarlet Knights Betting Preview

The Rutgers Scarlet Knights are 9-9 (2-5) this season after they lost to Wisconsin by a score of 96-87 in their last game. Rutgers trailed 51-29 at halftime, but they did score 58 points in the second half in the loss. The Scarlet Knights shot 48% from the field, 40% on three pointers, and 79% on free throws in the game. Harun Zrno led Rutgers with 21 points and one assist, while Tariq Francis added 15 points and three assists in the loss. 

Prior to that game, Rutgers defeated Northwestern by a score of 77-75, but lost to Illinois by a score of 81-55 before that. The Scarlet Knights have scored 70.7 points per game with 36.0 rebounds and 11.1 assists per game, while they have allowed 74.4 points against per game this season. Tariq Francis is averaging 15.3 points and 2.4 rebounds per game, while Dylan Grant is averaging 11.8 points and 4.9 rebounds per game for the Scarlet Knights. Rutgers is shooting 40.8% from the field, 72.2% on free throws, and 32.3% on three pointers this season. 

Iowa Hawkeyes Betting Preview

The Iowa Hawkeyes are 13-5 (3-4) this year after they defeated Indiana by a score of 74-57 in their last game. Iowa led 38-28 at halftime and held IU to just 29 points in the second half in the win. The Hawkeyes shot 50% from the field, 37% on three pointers, and 91% on free throws in the game. Bennett Stirtz led Iowa with 27 points and five assists, while Tavion Banks added 26 points and eight rebounds in the win. 

Prior to that game, Iowa lost to Purdue by a score of 79-72 and Illinois by a score of 75-69. The Hawkeyes have scored 78.4 points per game with 30.9 rebounds and 16.6 assists per game, while they have allowed 62.4 points against per game this season. Bennett Stirtz is averaging 18.2 points and 5.0 assists per game, while Tavion Banks is averaging 10.6 points and 4.5 rebounds per game for the Hawkeyes. Iowa is shooting 51.1% from the field, 76.7% on free throws, and 37.7% on three pointers this year. 

Why the Iowa Hawkeyes will win

• Iowa has won 15 of its last 16 games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
• Rutgers has lost seven of its last eight road games against the Big Ten Conference.
• Rutgers has lost the first half in seven of its last eight games against the Big Ten Conference.

Why the Rutgers Scarlet Knights will win

• Iowa has lost eight of its last nine night games against the Big Ten Conference.

Total Points Facts

• Twenty of Iowa’s last 21 night games at Carver-Hawkeye Arena have produced a total of 139+ points.
• Fourteen of Rutgers’ last 15 night games against the Big Ten Conference have produced a total of 143+ points.

Matchup/League Facts

• Iowa ranks 5th among Division 1 teams for opponent points per game this season (62.4).
• Iowa ranks 361st among Division 1 teams for pace this season (63.6).

Rutgers vs Iowa Prediction 

Iowa comes into this matchup after losing three of their last four games, but they are coming off of a road win against Indiana. The Hawkeyes are shooting 51% from the field and they are a solid defensive team. Rutgers has alternated wins and losses over their last five games and they have allowed at least 80 points in four of their last five. The Scarlet Knights are shooting 41% from the field, but they have scored at least 73 points in four of their last five games. Take the over here, as Rutgers will struggle to get stops.

David Racey's Pick: Over 138.5