Iowa Hawkeyes vs Maryland Terrapins Prediction, Odds and Picks for Today, 02/11/26

It seems like everything that the is associated with Iowa is slow-moving and defensive – basketball or football. The Hawks sit 348th in pace according to KenPom while owning a top-ten defensive efficiency. That’s the driver here as we can expect Iowa to dictate terms as a big favorite. This total is built on that principle. The Hawkeyes naturally pull numbers downward and the question is whether or not Maryland can do anything to debunk that? We’re wagering that they won’t and it’s not in their interest to try to push the Hawkeyes either.

If Maryland is thinking about an upset here, their best path is to keep the game close and keep the ball in their hand. Translation? The Terps are going to slow it down and match Iowa’s pace which means there will be less possessions and henceforth, less scoring. What happens if the Terps don’t do that? They may let off shots but if Iowa defends well and optimizes their possessions, Maryland gets buried fast. That’s why backing the under here makes the most sense. The way either side wins this game is by making the most of the margins in the rock fight as opposed to trying to prevent one from happening.

Iowa vs Maryland prediction: Under 141.5 (-110) available at time of publishing. Playable at that number.

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