Iowa Hawkeyes vs Utah Utes Picks and Predictions December 21st 2024

High-Octane Matchup as Utah and Iowa Clash in Sioux Falls

Utah and Iowa, two of the nation’s highest-scoring teams, are set for a thrilling neutral-site rematch on Saturday in Sioux Falls, S.D. The Utes (8-2) and Hawkeyes (8-3) last met in the second round of the NIT last season, with Utah prevailing 91-82.

Offensive Firepower

Both teams bring explosive offenses to the table. Iowa averages 87.2 points per game, while Utah is close behind at 86.6, ranking both squads among the top 15 scoring offenses nationally. Fans can expect a shootout reminiscent of their high-scoring contest in March.

Utah’s Gabe Madsen leads his team with 19.8 points per game, including a stellar 31-point performance against Iowa in last season’s NIT matchup. His twin brother, Mason Madsen, adds 11.1 points per contest and brings veteran leadership as he eyes his first NCAA Tournament appearance.
“This is my last year,” Mason said. “I think it will be a regret if I don’t ever make the tournament. I’ll do whatever it takes to win.”

Top College Basketball Picks for Today! Check out the latest NCAAB picks for today.

On the Iowa side, Owen Freeman paces the team with 17.2 points per game, followed by Payton Sandfort (16.0) and Josh Dix (13.4). Iowa coach Fran McCaffery is anticipating a hard-fought game.
“We played them last year in the NIT — a really good team, a really good program, veteran guys,” McCaffery said. “It should be a really good atmosphere up there.”

Preparing for Bigger Stakes

For Utah, this game serves as critical preparation for its first season in the powerhouse Big 12 Conference. The Utes aim to carry momentum from their dominant 89-59 win over Florida A&M earlier this week. Utah coach Craig Smith is emphasizing the importance of urgency as the team builds its NCAA Tournament resume.
“We told our guys it gets real now,” Smith said. “There’s a real sense of urgency. It’s a big game.”

Iowa, meanwhile, is taking a brief hiatus from Big Ten play after splitting its first two conference games. The Hawkeyes view the game as an opportunity to refine their approach against a quality opponent before resuming league action.

Smarter decisions start here!

Register Now!

Key Matchups

1. Madsen Twins vs. Iowa’s Perimeter Defense
   Gabe Madsen’s sharpshooting, especially his seven 3-pointers in last year’s meeting, could be a game-changer. Iowa will need to close out on him and his brother Mason to avoid another long-range barrage.
2. Owen Freeman vs. Utah’s Defense
   Freeman has been a consistent offensive force for Iowa, and Utah’s ability to contain him inside could dictate the pace of the game.
3. Bench Contributions
   Utah’s depth was on display Tuesday, with Mason Madsen scoring 15 points off the bench. Iowa will need its reserves to step up to match Utah’s firepower.

What to Watch

With both teams capable of lighting up the scoreboard, the game could come down to which side executes better defensively and limits turnovers. Utah seeks to repeat its success from last season’s NIT win, while Iowa hopes to avenge that loss and bolster its NCAA Tournament resume.

It’s a pivotal clash as both teams aim to finish their nonconference schedules on a high note and build momentum for the challenges ahead.