Iowa Hawkeyes vs New Hampshire Wildcats Picks and Predictions December 30th 2024

Iowa Offense Looks to Shine Against New Hampshire

The Iowa Hawkeyes aim to close out their nonconference schedule on a high note as they host the New Hampshire Wildcats on Monday night in Iowa City. For Iowa, it’s a chance to fine-tune its high-powered offense before diving deeper into Big Ten Conference play, while New Hampshire seeks to regroup ahead of its America East slate and possibly stage an upset.

Iowa’s Explosive Offense on Display

The Hawkeyes (9-3) are coming off a thrilling 95-88 win over Utah on Dec. 21, a game in which they rallied from an 11-point second-half deficit. Key contributors included Payton Sandfort, who posted a season-high 24 points and grabbed eight rebounds, and Owen Freeman, who added 16 points despite foul trouble.

Coach Fran McCaffery praised Drew Thelwell for his impactful performance.

“Drew was right in the middle of it,” McCaffery said. “His defense and drawing six fouls, those are stats that are critical to a team’s ability to win. Get to the bonus, get to the double bonus. We do that by driving the ball and drawing fouls, and that’s what we did.”

Iowa’s offense continues to operate at an elite level. The Hawkeyes are averaging 87.8 points per game, ranking seventh nationally, and are shooting a scorching 50.2 percent from the field.

Key Players to Watch

• Owen Freeman: Leads the team with 17.1 points per game while shooting an efficient 66.1 percent.
• Payton Sandfort: Averaging 16.7 points per game and showcasing his versatility as both a scorer and rebounder.
• Drew Thelwell: A steady contributor who provides energy and draws crucial fouls in high-pressure moments.

Challenges for New Hampshire

The Wildcats (2-12) face a daunting task against Iowa’s potent offense. New Hampshire has struggled defensively, allowing opponents to shoot 45.2 percent from the field and score 76.5 points per game.

Their latest loss, a 90-83 defeat at Stonehill on Dec. 22, extended their losing streak to six games. Despite the rough patch, second-year coach Nathan Davis remains optimistic about his team’s potential in conference play.

“We’ve improved across the board as far as our talent level,” Davis said. “I like our pieces.”

New Hampshire is navigating a transitional season after losing key players, including Clarence Daniels, the 2023 America East Player of the Year. The Wildcats returned just three players from last year’s squad that posted a 16-15 record and won a game in the America East tournament.

Game Outlook

Keys for Iowa

1. Push the Pace: The Hawkeyes thrive in an up-tempo game and should capitalize on New Hampshire’s defensive struggles.
2. Spread the Wealth: Iowa’s balanced attack has been a hallmark, with multiple players capable of stepping up offensively.
3. Dominate the Glass: With strong rebounding performances from Freeman and Sandfort, Iowa can control second-chance opportunities.

Keys for New Hampshire

1. Limit Transition Opportunities: Slowing Iowa’s fast-paced offense is crucial to keeping the game within reach.
2. Capitalize on Opportunities: The Wildcats need to take advantage of any defensive lapses by the Hawkeyes.
3. Find a Scoring Rhythm: Improved shooting and execution will be critical against Iowa’s defensive pressure.

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Historical Note

This matchup marks the first-ever meeting between Iowa and New Hampshire.