#9 Iowa vs #8 Clemson vs Iowa Odds, Expert Picks and Predictions

• Iowa is laying 1.5 points vs Clemson today in the South Region’s 9 vs 8 matchup at the NCAA Tournament
• The Hawkeyes rank 16th in scoring defense, and yield the sixth fewest offensive rebounds
• Below, you’ll see the latest Iowa vs Clemson odds, plus my expert picks and predictions for this March Madness contest

It’s Day 2 of Round of 64 play at March Madness today, and the action continues with the No. 8 seed Clemson Tigers (24-10 SU, 12-6 ACC) taking on the No. 9 seed Iowa Hawkeyes (21-12 SU, 10-10 Big Ten) in a South Region showdown.

Despite being the higher seed, it’s Iowa who’s garnering favorite status in the college basketball odds, a sentiment I’m on board with. I’m also in favor of betting the under in this matchup, and those two wagers highlight my Iowa vs Clemson expert picks and predictions.

Tip-off for this matchup is scheduled for 6:50 pm ET, from the Benchmark International Arena in Tampa, Florida, with TNT handling the broadcast duties.

Keep reading for the analysis behind both of my top selections, plus see the latest Iowa vs Clemson odds ahead of this 1st Round NCAA Tournament game.

Iowa vs Clemson Odds

As of Friday morning, the best place to bet the Hawkeyes against the spread was at BetMGM. They’re offering a -1.5 point line, whereas most other commercial sportsbooks have the number pegged at -2.5. Total-wise, BetMGM also has the best line in market for under bettors, posting a 130.5 point total that’s a point higher than consensus. If you’re looking to go the other way visit Bet365, as they have the lowest odds available on Over 129.5.

Odds as of March 20. Make sure you use SBD’s exclusive BetMGM promo code to bet on March Madness.

Iowa vs Clemson Expert Picks

• Iowa -1.5 (-115 at BetMGM)

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Clemson head coach Brad Brownell has guided his team to a third consecutive tournament bid, relying heavily on the gritty effort of senior forward RJ Godfrey. However, they were dealt a massive blow in the March Madness injuries when junior center Carter Welling tore his ACL on March 11, leaving a massive void on the glass.

On the other side, first-year head coach Ben McCollum has Iowa dancing again, led by AP All-American Honorable Mention guard Bennett Stirtz, who followed McCollum from the transfer portal. Stirtz has arguably been the best player on the floor in every game he plays, and is putting up numbers similar to the top contenders in the March Madness Most-Outstanding Player odds.

Iowa vs Clemson Stats

On paper, Clemson boasts the superior statistical profile. They hold a comfortably higher RPI ranking (#35 compared to Iowa’s #62) and have proven far more reliable against high-tier competition, battling to a respectable 5-5 record against Top 50 programs. In contrast, the Hawkeyes struggled against premium opponents, stumbling to a 3-9 mark against the Top 50.

So, why is Iowa laying the points?

It comes down to situational performance. While Clemson has been solid overall, Iowa has been hyper-efficient when taken out of hostile road environments, quietly amassing an excellent 4-1 record (80% win rate) on neutral courts this season. The Hawkeyes’ ability to execute at a high level in neutral venues acts as a massive equalizer. Additionally, Clemson tends to play down to its competition posting a mediocre 4-4 record against teams ranked between 51-100.

Another thing working in favor of the Hawkeyes is how their defense matches up. Iowa ranks 16th in scoring defense and allows the sixth fewest offensive rebounds. That sets up favorably versus a Tigers offense than ranks outside the top-190 in scoring.

Iowa vs Clemson Predictions

• Under 130.5 (-11o at BetMGM)

Oddsmakers originally opened the full-game total at 131.5. Since then, professional market action has aggressively driven the number down anywhere from 1 to 2 points.

I am following the smart money and hitting the Under. This game projects be the slowest, fewest-possession matchup in the entire 1st Round. Iowa ranks 357th in adjusted tempo, while Clemson sits right at the bottom with them at 333rd. Both teams average a lethargic 64 to 65 possessions per 40 minutes.