The “Start A Win Streak At The RAC” Game Thread: Iowa At Rutgers

How To Watch & Listen

Iowa (12-10; 4-5) At Rutgers (12-10; 1-8)

Where: The RAC

Tip-off: Tuesday, January 31st at 7:00 p.m. ET

TV: BTN - Cory Provus and Dan Bonner

Radio: WCTC 1450 AM & WOR 710 AM - Jerry Recco & Joe Boylan; WRSU 88.7 FM

KenPom Rankings: Rutgers #129; Iowa #91

KenPom Prediction: Rutgers 72 Iowa 71; Rutgers is given a 52% chance of winning

Series History: Iowa leads the all-time series 4-0.

1st Meeting Game Recap: Iowa 68 Rutgers 62

Game Preview

While I hesitate to call this a must win game, it is certainly a tremendous opportunity for this team to pickup their second conference win of the season. The Big Ten leading scorer, Iowa star Peter Jok, is out for this game due to back and shoulder issues. However, it’s important to note that Iowa won their last game without him, this past weekend at home against Ohio State. This won’t be easy for a few reasons.

Rutgers needs to put Saturday’s emotional loss to Wisconsin behind them. Iowa is actually a better team defensively without Jok. They also displayed more balance on offense in their last game without him. However, the Hawkeyes start four freshman and are winless in four road games in Big Ten play this season. If they want to breakthrough away from home, they’ll have to do it missing their senior leader and best offensive player.

It starts with defense for Rutgers, who need to set the tone from the opening tip by smothering and pressuring the Hawkeyes. Making this a physical game and the big men of Rutgers controlling the boards is also very important. Hopefully, the RAC crowd has plenty of opportunities to rock the place in this game.

Follow us on twitter for live commentary during the game and join us in the comment section as well. Let’s hope Rutgers can win their second in a row at home. Let’s go RU!!