Iowa vs Northwestern: Odds, Predictions & Key Insights | February 28, 2025

Iowa and Northwestern meet again in a rematch of their December battle, where the Hawkeyes escaped with a one-point win at home. This time, the Wildcats have the edge in Evanston, but the focus is on Iowa’s offense, which is set up for a big night. With Northwestern’s defensive vulnerabilities and the Hawkeyes’ fast-paced attack, all signs point to plenty of points from the visitors.

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Iowa vs Northwestern Odds

Can Iowa defeat Northwestern again in their rematch?

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Spread

Iowa: +4 (-110)

Northwestern: -4 (-110)

Total

Over: 151.5 (-108)

Under: 151.5 (-112)

Moneyline

Iowa: +160

Northwestern: -180

Iowa vs Northwestern Best Bet

A little rematch from December 3, 2024, when the Iowa Hawkeyes edged out the Wildcats by one as a five-point home favorite. Now, the Hawkeyes find themselves as four-point underdogs in Evanston. We are not interested in a side here—just Iowa’s team total over.

The Hawkeyes are coming off a tough stretch against some of the Big Ten’s best, losing at Illinois by 20 on Tuesday and at Maryland by 26 last Sunday. Meanwhile, Northwestern is riding the high of back-to-back road underdog wins over Minnesota and Ohio State. A reality check is due, and Iowa’s offense should feast.

At home in conference play, the Wildcats have struggled with discipline, sending teams to the line at a high rate. Their perimeter defense is among the Big Ten’s worst, allowing 73.1 points per game in conference home matchups. Five different teams—Michigan State, Maryland, Rutgers, Wisconsin, and USC—have surpassed 73 points against them, all with varying styles of play.

Iowa plays at the Big Ten’s second-fastest pace away from home and ranks inside the top 50 nationally, per Bart Torvik. Their defense is a mess, which is a key reason for avoiding the spread, but the offense is elite. Away from home, the Hawkeyes are averaging 77.5 points per game this season and 76.5 in conference play.

Iowa excels at scoring inside, taking care of the basketball, and avoiding blocked shots. They lead the Big Ten in offensive block percentage and turnover rate on the road.

With Northwestern’s recent hot streak, their defensive struggles on the perimeter, and their tendency to send teams to the line—combined with Iowa’s blowout loss to Illinois earlier in the week—the Hawkeyes’ offense is primed to explode tonight in Evanston.