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Regional hoop insiders tell us they wouldn't lay this many points with UCLA at the moment except vs. certain Cal State squads in the Big West...certainly not in the Big Ten. They also insist that despite his best efforts, Mick Cronin might not be able to slow down Iowa's Gatling-gun offense. We are not used to seeing Hawkeyes totals around 150...in fact, only once this season has Iowa dealt with a total this low (and that game sailed over vs. Northwestern). The Hawkeyes have shooters all over the court, score 89.5 ppg, hit 51 % from the floor, and 40% from beyond the arc...over indicators all. Note even UCLA is 5-2 over its last seven; Iowa current 10-2 over run. Play Iowa-UCLA Over
This spread suggests that UCLA will suddenly find a cure for the ills that have led to a four-game losing streak in which no outcome was close. (The margins: eight, 19, 18 and seven.) Coach Mick Cronin continues to criticize his players, a ploy that has worked before but has shown no signs of moving the needle lately. Iowa has not fared well in limited road games, yet scoring is no issue. The Hawkeyes average 89.5 ppg, tied for most in the nation. The Bruins, 15th in the Big Ten offensively, might not have the shooters to keep up even as the defense has been solid. No team mired in an extended slump should be yielding this many points in a league matchup.
"Soft" seems an apt (if painful) description for the Hawkeyes, whose defense was shredded by nonstop USC attacks to the bucket on Tuesday. The Trojans hit 65% from the floor in their 99-89 win with the bulk of their 37 converted baskets right at the rim. At the moment, however, not sure UCLA can do the same, as the reeling Bruins (four straight losses) lack length and explosiveness and suddenly can't shoot triples, either, just 18 for 83 (28.6%) in the skid. Among other issues, G Dylan Andrews has slumped so badly that he's been sent to the bench. Iowa can shoot (51% FGs, 40% triples) and score (89 ppg), the sorts of basic things UCLA isn't doing lately. Play Iowa
Team Injuries






