Michigan Basketball: 3 predictions for the Wolverines against Iowa

Who wins?

Iowa is the fifth straight quality opponent for the Wolverines so they are battle-tested in these games and playing at home should be an advantage. Michigan is also coming off a loss and the senior leadership on this team will have it motivated to prove a point.

It’s also a key game in the Big Ten race. If No. 4 Michigan wants to be a contender in the league this season, especially for the top spot, this is the kind of the game the Wolverines want to win, not to mention it’s Howard’s first foray into the conference as head coach.

The key matchup might just be Iowa’s offense against Michigan’s defense. The Wolverines are No. 8 in adjusted defense according to Kenpom and the Hawkeyes are sixth in adjusted offense.

Howard has done a great job defensively and even in the loss to Louisville, Michigan basketball held the Cardinal to under 60. The Wolverines are allowing an average of 65 points per game for the season and have allowed just two teams to reach 70.

And as long as the Hawkeyes don’t get to 70, Michigan should win the game. The offense will bounce back from Tuesday’s ugly showing and the defense will keep doing what it’s been doing.

Final score: Michigan 71, Iowa 64