The Maryland Terrapins will face the Iowa Hawkeyes on Saturday at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City. The Terps will try to have a successful Big Ten opener for this season by grabbing a win in this game, while Iowa will try to bounce back from a defeat in their first conference game of the year. Here, I take a closer look at both of these Big Ten teams and bring you my Maryland vs Iowa prediction for Saturday afternoon.
Pick: Iowa –9.5
Confidence: ★★★★☆
Maryland enters this game with some confidence. After a rocky non‑conference schedule that included lopsided losses to Alabama and Gonzaga, the Terrapins rebounded with an 89–63 win over Wagner. Pharrel Payne’s 30‑point, 10‑rebound double‑double signaled that Maryland may finally be hitting its stride. Senior forward Solomon Washington returned from injury and logged a promising 10 points and 6 boards. But this is a return to high-level competition and the Terps will try to prove themselves in this spot.
On Iowa’s side, the Hawkeyes are adjusting to life under new head coach Ben McCollum following a long tenure under the previous regime of Fran McCaffery. Iowa’s defense is allowing just 62.4 points per game and remains a strength, but their 71–52 loss to Michigan State Spartans was a wake‑up call. Guard Bennett Stirtz continues to lead the offense with strong scoring and three‑point shooting. But Iowa’s supporting cast was lacking against the Spartans and will need to be better here.
Score Projection: Maryland 68 – Iowa 80
Win Probability: Maryland 15%, Iowa 85%
Iowa looks poised to bounce back at home. Their Hawkeyes have yet to lose on their home floor this season and that trend should continue here against a Maryland team that has struggled to stay anywhere close to their power conference opponents so far this season. I'm going to lay the points with Iowa, as they should move to 8-1 on the season.
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