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Iowa vs Robert Morris Week 1 Betting Preview
Ben McCollum’s debut as head coach of the Iowa Hawkeyes brings familiar faces and a fresh identity when they open against the Robert Morris Colonials on November 4 in Iowa City.
McCollum arrives from Drake, where he went 31-4 last season, and he brings Missouri Valley Player of the Year Bennett Stirtz and 6-10 forward Alvaro Folgueiras, who faces his former RMU squad.
Iowa has gone 36-31 the past two seasons without an NCAA Tournament appearance, prompting the coaching change. McCollum said he wants to keep the group “hungry” and focused on the process rather than a sense of arrival.
RMU, meanwhile, looks to extend its Horizon League success under Andy Toole despite losing Folgueiras. IU Indy transfer DeSean Goode (7.8 points, 6.0 rebounds) leads a new wave of talent.
The Colonials are 0-19 all-time vs Big Ten teams. Iowa has won eight straight vs Horizon League opponents since 1980. Their last meeting was a 73-51 Hawkeyes win in 2005.
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Line Movement and Odds
Iowa is expected to open around a –14.5 favorite with an over/under near 143.5 on most boards. Early market action leans toward Iowa, though the line may tighten closer to tip.
Sharps are waiting for confirmed rotations, while public bettors side with the home favorite. Track all live numbers on the updated NCAA odds page
Matchup Breakdown
Iowa Outlook:
McCollum’s offense stresses spacing and ball movement. Stirtz gives the Hawkeyes a reliable creator who averaged nearly 20 points at Drake, while Folgueiras adds interior scoring and rebounding. Expect Iowa to push tempo and control the glass.
Robert Morris Outlook:
The Colonials will rely on Goode and guard Ta’Zir Smith to replace lost scoring. Their perimeter defense, which allowed opponents to shoot 35 percent from three last season, will be tested early.
Key Battle:
Rebounding differential. Iowa ranked among Big Ten’s top five in rebound margin last season; RMU must close possessions quickly to stay close.
Looking for analysis beyond this matchup? See today’s college basketball picks
Injuries and Conditions
Iowa Hawkeyes
- No major injuries reported entering Week 1. Starters have practiced fully.
- Stay updated via the Iowa injury report
Robert Morris Colonials
- No significant injuries early, but rotation minutes remain fluid.
- Check the Robert Morris injury page for changes before tipoff.
Venue/Conditions: Indoor matchup at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. No weather concerns.
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Best Bets and Prediction
Iowa’s depth, size, and tempo should wear down RMU by the second half. Expect a few early jitters under a new coach, but the mismatch in athleticism will show.
Projected Score: Iowa 78, Robert Morris 61
Best Bet: Iowa –14 (lean to Under 143.5)
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