No. 15 Maryland vs No. 18 Iowa Prediction, Preview
Date & Time: Thursday, January 30, 2020 8:30 PM EST
Location: Xfinity Center, College Park, Maryland
TV Channel: BTN
Both Maryland (16-4) and Iowa (15-5) have come a long way since their last meeting earlier this year.
The Terrapins have won two-straight road games against Big Ten opponents after losing their previous four away games.
Maryland are currently on a three-game win streak, with Jalen Smith leading the team in scoring the past five games.
The Hawkeyes are winners of their last five games, all against Big Ten opponents. They are led by Luka Garza, who leads the team average in points (23.1), rebounds (10.7), and blocks (1.8).
They have worked their way up from being unranked to now the No. 18 college basketball team in the latest AP Top 25 poll.
Their last matchup
In the first nine minutes of their previous matchup, the Terrapins had the lead. Unfortunately for Maryland, they lost the lead soon after and were unable to slow down the combination of Luka Garza and Joe Wieskamp. They scored a combined 47 points.
The Terrapins lost the game 67-49 in what kick started the Hawkeyes' current win streak.
Prediction
Maryland has been unbeatable at home, with an 11-0 record at the Xfinity Center. Despite their advantage at home, the Terrapins should not underestimate the Hawkeyes. Garza is one of the best players in all of college basketball and has been nearly impossible to contain. This game should be very close from start to finish in what should be an exciting Big Ten rematch. Maryland should win in this one.
