The Utah Runnin’ Utes (8-2) travel to face off against the Iowa Hawkeyes (8-3) on Saturday, December 21st. This game will be played at Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls and televised on ESPN. Both team’s come into this one having won their previous games. Tip-off is set for 6:00 ET.

Utah Runnin’ Utes vs Iowa Hawkeyes

The Runnin’ Utes Are Coming Off A Win

Utah Runnin’ Utes Recent Game/Games

Utah improved to 8-2 on the season with an 89-59 win over Florida A&M on Tuesday. The Utes were heavy favorites at home, but they didn’t cover the -32 spread. The total points for the game were 148, just under the 151.5 O/U line.

Utah took control early, leading 50-31 at halftime. They added 39 points in the 2nd half while holding the Rattlers to 28 points.

The Hawkeyes Are Coming Off A Win

The Hawkeyes cruised to a 104-57 win over the Privateers on Sunday, improving to 8-3 this season. Iowa, who were -30.5 favorites, covered the spread with the win.

Leading 57-29 at halftime, Iowa kept up the pressure in the 2nd half, outscoring New Orleans 47-28. The combined points of 161 fell just short of the 162.5 O/U line.

Runnin’ Utes Offense Breakdown

Utah’s offense was firing on all cylinders in their last game, putting up 89 points with a field goal percentage of 54.8%. Their effective field goal percentage was even more impressive at 64.5%, thanks in part to their 69.7% shooting from two-point range. From beyond the arc, they hit 11 of 29 attempts, good for 37.9%.

Despite struggling at the free-throw line, hitting just 41.7% of their attempts, the Utes dished out 25 assists and grabbed 13 offensive rebounds. Mason Madsen and Mike Sharavjamts each contributed 15 points, with Sharavjamts shooting 85.7% from the field and 75% from three-point range.

Hawkeyes Offense Breakdown

The Hawkeyes put up 104 points in their latest game, shooting 62.7% from the field. Their effective field goal percentage was 73.1%, with two-point shooting at 73.7% (28/38) and three-point shooting at 48.3% (14/29).

They recorded 28 assists and 8 offensive rebounds. James White led with 24 points, while Owen Freeman added 22 points on 10/12 shooting. Brock Harding was perfect from three, hitting 3/3 and finishing with 13 points and 6 assists.

Runnin’ Utes Team Defense

Despite Utah’s defensive struggles, they managed to hold their opponent to 59 points. The Runnin’ Utes allowed 54% shooting from the field, with their opponent hitting 34 of 62 shots.

Utah’s defense gave up 69% shooting on two-point attempts (23/33) and 37% from beyond the arc (11/29). They also sent their opponent to the line 24 times, where they converted 10 free throws (41%).

Hawkeyes Team Defense

Despite Utah’s defensive struggles, allowing 59 points on 54% shooting, they managed to hold their opponent to just 10 free throws on 24 attempts. The Utes also gave up 13 offensive rebounds.

Runnin’ Utes vs Hawkeyes Trends

• Utah has a 1-4 record in their last five road games. In this stretch, they averaged 72 points per game while allowing 74. The team also performed well vs the spread at 3-2.
• Iowa has a 1-2 record in their last three home games. In this stretch, they averaged 84 points per game while allowing 85. The team also performed well vs the spread at 2-1.
• As the betting underdog, the Runnin’ Utes have an ATS mark of just 3-7 in their last ten games. Utah posted a straight up mark of 1-9 in these matchups.
• In their last three games as the betting favorite, the Hawkeyes have a strong straight up record of 3-0. In addition, their ATS record was 2-1 in these scenarios.

Runnin’ Utes vs Hawkeyes Prediction

We’re putting our money on the Hawkeyes to win, and have the projected score sitting at 80-67. We also like them to cover the spread, so our recommendation is to bet on the Hawkeyes at -1.

As for the over/under, the the line is currently at 164, and our model projects the Runnin’ Utes and Hawkeyes to reach a combined total of 147 points. Our bet is on taking the under.

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All odds are courtesy of Action247 Sportsbook. Good luck!!

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* All odds are provided by Action247 Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.**All views expressed are my own. My picks are my own and are not a guarantee, bet at your own risk.Action247 does not warrant the accuracy of completeness of the information, text, graphics, links or other items contained within these post.