Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Iowa Hawkeyes, Picks and Prediction for Tuesday, January 20, 2026
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The Rutgers Scarlet Knights (9-9, 2-5 Big Ten) travel to Iowa City, IA to take on the Iowa Hawkeyes (13-5, 3-4 Big Ten) on Tuesday, January 20, 2026 at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Get in on the action with our free NCAAB picks.
Rutgers Scarlet Knights Analysis
Rutgers has struggled with consistency in Big Ten play, especially on the road where it is 0-4 in true road games this season. The Scarlet Knights average about 70.7 points per game while allowing 74.4 points per contest, playing a mix of tight defense and offensive spurts. Junior guard Tariq Francis leads Rutgers with 15.3 PPG and efficient free-throw shooting (87.8 %), while Dylan Grant contributes 11.8 points and 4.9 rebounds per game. Jamichael Davis provides secondary scoring and assist creation, and Emmanuel Ogbole leads the team on the glass with around 6.7 RPG.
Team Overview and Metrics
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Points per game: 70.7
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Points allowed per game: 74.4
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FG%: 40.8 %
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3P%: 32.3 %
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Rebounds: 36.0 RPG
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Assists: 10.8 APG
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Turnovers: 10.8 per game
Strengths
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Tariq Francis: Leads reliably in scoring and efficient shooting.
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Offensive rebounding: Creates second-chance opportunities with physical efforts.
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Pressure defense: Forces 11.6 opponent turnovers.
Weaknesses
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Shooting efficiency: Below-average field-goal and long-range accuracy.
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Road struggles: No true road wins this season.
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Scoring consistency: Inconsistent scoring outputs against strong defenses.
Iowa Hawkeyes Analysis
Iowa enters as a talented group that has shown both national defensive strength and scoring balance. The Hawkeyes average about 78.4 PPG while allowing just 62.4 PPG, reflecting one of the toughest defenses in the country. Leading scorer Bennett Stirtz is averaging around 18.2 PPG and 5.0 APG, while Tavion Banks has pushed double figures in scoring with 10.6 PPG and 4.5 RPG. Forward Cam Manyawu anchors the glass with around 4.7 RPG, and Iowa’s depth contributes across the stat sheet. The Hawkeyes recently snapped a brief skid with a commanding win over Indiana.
Team Overview and Metrics
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Points per game: 78.4
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Points allowed: 62.4
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Rebounds: 28.9 RPG
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Assists: 16.7 APG
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Steals: 7.5 per game
Strengths
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Defense: One of the nation’s stingiest units, holding opponents to 62.4 PPG.
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Balanced scoring: Stirtz, Banks, and role players contribute consistently.
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Rebounding and transition: Strong defensive boards fuel transition offense.
Weaknesses
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Inconsistency: Iowa has lost three of four recently entering this matchup.
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Turnovers: Despite defensive strength, lapses can open scoring runs for opponents.
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Perimeter defense: Sometimes stretched by higher-tempo offenses.
Standout Players and Key Matchups
Rutgers
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Tariq Francis (G): Team’s leading scorer (15.3 PPG) and reliable free-throw shooter.
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Dylan Grant (F): Secondary scorer and rebounder (11.8 PPG, 4.9 RPG).
Iowa
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Bennett Stirtz (G): Primary scoring option (18.2 PPG) and facilitator.
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Tavion Banks (G/F): Secondary scorer and rebounder (10.6 PPG, 4.5 RPG).
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Cam Manyawu (F): Rebounding presence (4.7 RPG).
Rutgers vs Iowa Prediction Reasoning
Iowa’s defensive identity and home court give them a clear edge in this Big Ten clash. The Hawkeyes’ ability to limit opponents’ scoring and generate balanced offense should outweigh Rutgers’ strengths, particularly given Rutgers’ ongoing road difficulties. Rutgers will fight for possessions and look to create second chances, but without improved shooting efficiency and possession control, Iowa’s depth and defense should prevail.
Final Score Projection: Iowa 81, Rutgers 68
Best Picks
- Rutgers +19.5
- Over 138.5 total points
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