Iowa Hawkeyes vs Northwestern Wildcats – NCAA Basketball Preview – February 28, 2025
The Iowa Hawkeyes travel to Evanston, Illinois, to face the Northwestern Wildcats at Welsh-Ryan Arena on Friday night at 9:00 PM ET. Both teams share identical records at 15-13 and are tied at 6-11 in Big Ten play. This game carries significant importance as only 15 of the 18 Big Ten teams qualify for the conference tournament, and neither Iowa nor Northwestern has secured their spot yet.
When these teams last met on December 3, 2024, Iowa edged Northwestern 80-79 on a buzzer-beater by Josh Dix. Iowa leads the all-time series 126-61 and has won 11 of the last 12 matchups. With tournament hopes on the line, both teams are expected to bring high energy to this critical contest.
Iowa Hawkeyes Preview – Can Iowa Reverse Its Road Woes?
Iowa enters this game struggling, having lost six of their last eight games, including a 20-point defeat at Illinois on Tuesday. The Hawkeyes are just 1-7 in true road games this season, with six of those losses by double digits. A stronger start will be key, as Iowa has often found itself playing from behind.
Guard Brock Harding led the team with 16 points against Illinois and emphasized the need for more aggressiveness early in games. Iowa averages 83.1 points per game, ranking 16th nationally, but their defense has allowed 69.4 points per contest, which is middle-of-the-pack. Iowa also struggles on the boards, ranking 305th in rebounds per game.
The Hawkeyes will look to replicate their earlier success against Northwestern, particularly through their three-point shooting, where they hit nearly 38% (24th nationally). However, Iowa’s free-throw shooting (70.5%) and inability to close out games on the road remain concerns.
Northwestern Wildcats Preview – Can Martinelli Keep Northwestern Rolling?
Northwestern comes into this game with momentum, having won back-to-back road games against Ohio State and Minnesota. The Wildcats snapped a three-game losing streak and are now back in the mix for a Big Ten tournament spot. Nick Martinelli, the conference’s leading scorer at 20.1 points per game, scored a career-best 29 points in the 75-63 win over Minnesota.
The Wildcats have shown resilience despite losing key guards Brooks Barnhizer and Jalen Leach to season-ending injuries. Martinelli’s leadership and Ty Berry’s supporting role (9 points vs. Minnesota) have been critical to Northwestern’s recent success. The Wildcats are also efficient from beyond the arc, shooting 37.8%, and are strong defensively, allowing just 69.4 points per game.
Northwestern’s challenge will be maintaining consistency at home, where they have posted an 11-4 record. They will need to limit Iowa’s high-powered offense and capitalize on their defensive strengths to secure a much-needed victory.
Betting Prediction
Northwestern has hit the Game Total Over in 22 of their last 35 games, showing their ability to score in bunches. Iowa, on the other hand, has only covered the spread in 12 of their last 34 games, struggling particularly on the road. This game is likely to be a close one, but Northwestern’s recent form and home-court advantage give them a slight edge.
Predicted score: Northwestern 77, Iowa 74. Expect a tight game with the Wildcats pulling away late.
Pick: Northwestern Wildcats Moneyline, Over on total points
