Iowa Hawkeyes vs New Orleans Privateers Picks and Predictions December 15th 2024

Iowa Eager to Rebound Against New Orleans

The Iowa Hawkeyes (7-3) are gearing up for a nonconference matchup against the New Orleans Privateers (2-6) on Sunday, seeking to turn the page after two hard-fought losses to ranked opponents. Despite setbacks against Michigan and in-state rival Iowa State, the Hawkeyes remain optimistic about their progress and potential as the season unfolds.

In their most recent outing, Iowa fell to No. 3 Iowa State 89-80 after holding a 12-point first-half lead. Despite the defeat, the Hawkeyes showcased resilience and balanced scoring, with six players hitting double figures. Head coach Fran McCaffery remains encouraged by his team’s competitive edge against elite opponents.

Hawkeyes Building on Positives

Iowa has relied on a trio of standout performers to keep pace with top-tier competition. Owen Freeman leads the team in scoring, averaging 16.7 points per game, while Payton Sandfort and Josh Dix contribute 16.1 and 13.4 points, respectively. Freeman’s ability to finish around the rim and Sandfort’s sharpshooting have been vital to Iowa’s offensive flow.

The emergence of reserve forward Ladji Dembele provides an added boost. Dembele matched his career high with 11 points against Iowa State, draining three 3-pointers on as many attempts. McCaffery praised Dembele’s confidence and aggressive play off the bench, a promising development for Iowa’s depth.

The Hawkeyes will look to clean up their late-game execution, a recurring issue in recent losses. Despite holding late leads against both Michigan and Iowa State, they struggled to close out games. With a chance to regroup against New Orleans, Iowa hopes to sharpen its focus and build momentum heading into the heart of the season.

New Orleans Faces Tough Test

The New Orleans Privateers enter Sunday’s game with a 2-6 record and a challenging nonconference slate that includes matchups against Kansas State, Baylor, Texas, LSU, and Vanderbilt. First-year head coach Stacy Holowell is leading a roster composed of four freshmen and seven transfers, aiming to develop a cohesive unit amid stiff competition.

Freshman forward MJ Thomas has emerged as a bright spot for the Privateers, tallying a career-high 16 points and nine rebounds in a narrow 65-62 loss to Nicholls State. James White, a transfer from UAB, has been the team’s most consistent scorer, averaging 18.5 points per game. However, White has struggled against high-caliber opponents, shooting just 8-for-32 combined in losses to Kansas State and Baylor.

Holowell remains focused on using these tough matchups as growth opportunities for his young squad. “Every game is a chance to develop and improve,” Holowell said. “We’re taking it one step at a time.”

Keys to the Game

Iowa’s Path to Victory

To avoid a third straight loss, the Hawkeyes must continue their balanced scoring attack and improve their defensive intensity. Closing out games will be critical, as Iowa has faltered in the final minutes of recent contests. Freeman’s inside presence and Sandfort’s perimeter shooting will be pivotal in exploiting New Orleans’ defensive vulnerabilities.

New Orleans’ Strategy

The Privateers will need a standout performance from White and continued production from Thomas to stay competitive. Limiting turnovers and hitting perimeter shots against Iowa’s defense will be crucial. With a tough road schedule ahead, a strong showing in this game could boost the team’s confidence.

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Prediction: Iowa 88, New Orleans 63

Iowa’s depth and offensive firepower should prove too much for New Orleans to handle. The Hawkeyes are motivated to get back in the win column, and their home-court advantage makes them heavy favorites. Expect Iowa to control the pace and secure a comfortable victory while fine-tuning their game plan for upcoming challenges.