Men's BB: Iowa vs. ISU Prediction

VS.

GAME INFO: Sat., Dec 8, 2007 - 1:05 CST - Hilton Coliseum, Ames, IA
IOWA (6-4) / UNI (3-4)

Jeff Peterson will be back in the starting lineup for this game. Tony Freeman looked terrific in his action off the bench versus UNI. He is still hurting quite a bit, but Iowa can use him at 50% health. Bohall is still suspended. Iowa looks to actually be the team with more talent on the floor. As hard as that is to believe. Iowa's froshes are playing terrific. Jake Kelly is getting more comfortable in system, Jarryd Cole is working hard down low, and Jeff Peterson is still running the point effectively. Iowa has the better backcourt, ISU is a little better down low.

Taking a look at "like opponents" between the teams:

• Both teams lost to Bradley by about the same margin.
• ISU lost to UNI at home by 13, while Iowa beat UNI on the road by 7.
• Iowa will play Drake next week, a team that beat ISU by 35 points earlier this week.

We know this logic never works: Team A beats Team B; Team B beats Team C; Team A will beat Team C.... but I still prefer to look at "like opponents".

ISU's RPI: 105
IOWA's RPI: 224

ISU has lost 4 out of the last 5. Iowa started season winning its first 4, then losing its next 4, followed by winning 2 in a row coming into this game.

My heart wants to say Iowa wins by 8 points. I really think this team has what it takes to knock down the Clones in Hilton. Tony Freeman is the biggest reason behind this though - if he can play Iowa will win this game. If he can't because of the injury, it's ISU's game to lose. That said, my official prediction won't be on par to what I want to be typing.

ISU - 63 Iowa - 58

ISU just finds ways to beat Iowa at home whether it be basketball or football. It just happens.

* UPDATE: I am ok with my prediction now that Tony Freeman is in street clothes for this game. I think Iowa has a shot at taking them down, it will be a close game. ON IOWA!