The much-anticipated clash between the Iowa basketball team and the Penn State Nittany Lions is here, and fans are brimming with excitement. Whether you’re cheering for the home team or rooting for the visitors, this Big Ten showdown is bound to be a nail-biter. Let’s dive into the details of this thrilling matchup and break down everything you need to know.
Halftime Update: Iowa in the Lead
We’re halfway through, and Iowa basketball is holding a tight 43-38 lead over Penn State. Coming off a rough patch, the Hawkeyes are determined to defend their home court. Can they hold onto their lead, or will Penn State flip the script? Stick around because this game is far from over.
Who’s Playing
- Teams: Penn State Nittany Lions @ Iowa Hawkeyes
- Current Records: Penn State (13-6), Iowa (12-7)
How to Watch
- When: Friday, January 24, 2025, at 9 p.m. ET
- Where: Carver-Hawkeye Arena, Iowa City, Iowa
- TV Channel: Fox Sports 1
- Streaming Options: Catch select college basketball games on Fubo (free trial available; regional restrictions may apply).
- Ticket Cost: Starting at $13.19
A Rivalry to Watch
Since February 2018, Iowa basketball and Penn State have battled to an even 5-5 record. Both teams are eager to tip the scales in their favor during this high-stakes Big Ten matchup.
Penn State’s Road Woes
Penn State is carrying a seven-game road losing streak that dates back to last season. But they’re coming off an encouraging win against Rutgers earlier this week, snapping their four-game skid. The Nittany Lions defeated the Scarlet Knights 80-72, thanks to standout performances by Ace Baldwin Jr., who notched 22 points, eight assists, and five steals, and Yanic Konan Niederhauser, who added 18 points and six rebounds.
Despite their win, Penn State struggled with offensive rebounds, managing just four — their lowest tally since February 2024. Can they clean up their act and end their road struggles?
Iowa Basketball’s Recent Struggles
The Hawkeyes, on the other hand, are reeling from three straight losses. Their most recent stumble came against Minnesota, where they lost 72-67 in their lowest-scoring game of the season.
Despite the setback, several players stepped up, including Owen Freeman, who tallied 21 points and eight rebounds, and Payton Sandfort, who delivered a double-double with 21 points and ten rebounds. After a tough outing against UCLA, Freeman’s bounce-back performance was a silver lining for Iowa basketball fans.
High-Scoring Teams Face Off
If you love offense, this is the game for you. Both teams rank among the highest-scoring in the league. Penn State averages an impressive 84.2 points per game, while Iowa leads with 87.3 points per game. Expect a fast-paced game where every bucket matters.
What’s at Stake?
With Iowa’s home winning streak recently snapped, they’re looking to reassert their dominance at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Meanwhile, Penn State is desperate to prove they can win on the road. For fans, this game isn’t just about the score — it’s about pride and momentum as the season heats up.
Odds and Predictions
- Point Spread: Iowa is a 3.5-point favorite over Penn State.
- Over/Under: The oddsmakers set the total at a lofty 168.5 points, anticipating a high-scoring affair.
While Penn State has covered the spread in their last three games, they’ll need to dig deep to pull off an upset against a determined Hawkeyes squad.
Series History
Over the last 10 matchups, both teams have claimed five wins each. Here’s a quick look at their recent results:
- Feb 27, 2024: Iowa 90, Penn State 81
- Feb 08, 2024: Penn State 89, Iowa 79
- Jan 01, 2023: Penn State 83, Iowa 79
- Jan 31, 2022: Penn State 90, Iowa 86
- Jan 22, 2022: Iowa 68, Penn State 51
With such a closely contested history, it’s anyone’s guess who will come out on top this time.
Key Players to Watch
- Penn State: Ace Baldwin Jr. and Yanic Konan Niederhauser are the ones to watch. Baldwin’s ability to score and distribute the ball, paired with Niederhauser’s efficiency and presence in the paint, could spell trouble for Iowa.
- Iowa: Owen Freeman and Payton Sandfort will be pivotal. Freeman’s scoring touch and Sandfort’s double-double potential make them key assets for the Hawkeyes.
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Conclusion
This Iowa basketball vs. Penn State matchup promises to be a thrilling game filled with high-energy plays and standout performances. Both teams have a lot to prove, and fans can expect nothing short of a battle. Will the Hawkeyes bounce back at home, or will the Nittany Lions finally end their road struggles? Tune in to find out because this game is too close to call.
