Iowa Hawkeyes vs Ole Miss Rebels Picks and Predictions November 25th 2025

Game Preview: Iowa Hawkeyes @ Ole Miss Rebels

Two undefeated programs step outside their comfort zones as the Iowa Hawkeyes and Ole Miss Rebels face off Tuesday night in the Acrisure Classic in Palm Springs. Both teams come in at 5-0, but neither has played a road or neutral-site contest this season. The Iowa Hawkeyes have dominated through five lopsided wins with an average margin of 27.6 points, while the Ole Miss Rebels have posted strong offensive efficiency and two single-digit wins that tested their composure.

Iowa opened as a small favorite at -2.5 with a total set at 146.5, projecting a high-paced matchup between two teams scoring well above 80 points per game. Both teams also enter with confidence-building depth, and the tournament setting provides a measuring-stick moment ahead of looming Big Ten and SEC schedules. Additional neutral-site previews for this week can be found on the college basketball previews page.

Odds and Key Information

Market action has supported Iowa early, reflecting respect for their elite offensive metrics and blowout margins. The total sits at 146.5 with bettors expecting pace, shot quality, and execution to remain high.

Coaches on both sides emphasized compete level and focus. Iowa’s Ben McCollum highlighted effort and consistency as core values, while Ole Miss’ Chris Beard emphasized discipline and more precise execution, citing recent rebounding and turnover concerns.

Ole Miss Rebels Outlook

Ole Miss has operated efficiently behind balanced scoring and quick decision-making. Ilias Kamardine leads with 15.8 points and 5.2 assists per game and has scored in double figures in all five contests. His ability to initiate, pressure the rim, and distribute gives the Rebels a strong lead guard presence. Malik Dia continues to play an important complementary role, adding interior scoring and improved off-ball movement.

The Rebels average 82.2 points per game, supported by a 53.8 percent effective field-goal rate and a 37.8 percent clip from three. Their spacing and catch-and-shoot efficiency create consistent scoring opportunities, but their defensive profile has fluctuated depending on rebounding and turnover control. Beard specifically pointed to 17 offensive rebounds allowed to Austin Peay and seven turnovers from the point-guard spot as areas requiring immediate improvement.

Ole Miss has been perfect straight up but inconsistent ATS, reflecting their tendency to allow opponents to stay within range late. Their ability to withstand Iowa’s pace hinges on defensive rebounding, limiting second-chance scores, and reducing live-ball turnovers. Rotation depth remains a strength, though lineup discipline will be tested. Additional team trend data is available via the NCAAB team directory.

Iowa Hawkeyes Outlook

Few teams have been more dominant to start the season than Iowa. The Hawkeyes have won all five games by 19-plus points, and their offensive output ranks among the nation’s best. Iowa averages 90.2 points per game and leads the country with a 57.6 percent shooting mark. Their effective field-goal percentage of 65.9 percent is second-best nationally.

Ten Hawkeyes average at least 5.8 points, reflecting a rotation with balance and sustained pace. Senior guard Bennett Stirtz leads with 17.6 points and 6.2 assists per contest, providing both scoring and playmaking stability. Alvaro Folgueiras brings inside-out versatility, averaging 12.4 points and a team-high 5.8 rebounds. The combination of unselfish ball movement and consistent shot creation defines Iowa’s early-season surge.

Defensively, Iowa has allowed modest scoring totals due to their ability to build large early leads and control tempo. Their transition defense must remain sharp against Ole Miss, which thrives on early offense and immediate pull-up spacing. Iowa’s recent neutral-site success and offensive efficiency give them a strong projection, but this game represents their toughest test to date. Additional matchup insights can be explored on the college basketball odds page.

Key Matchup Table

Category	Advantage
Offensive Efficiency	Iowa Hawkeyes
Rebounding Poise	Ole Miss Rebels
Depth Scoring	Iowa Hawkeyes
Three-Point Shooting	Ole Miss Rebels

Betting Trends

Both teams enter undefeated, but key distinctions emerge in trend data. Iowa has covered four of its last five spreads and has dominated early with double-digit wins across the board. Their totals have leaned slightly over due to pace and shot quality.

Ole Miss has gone over the total in four of five games and has shown strong late-game execution despite inconsistent ATS results. Their offense can keep pace with any opponent, but their defensive variance raises questions entering a matchup with one of the most efficient attacks in the country.

For extended analytics and projections, bettors can explore tournament-based matchups via the college basketball picks page or reference futures trends on the college basketball championship odds hub. Additional insight into national award candidates appears on the John Wooden Award predictions page.

The Lean

Iowa’s shooting efficiency and depth give them a clear offensive edge. Their ability to generate high-percentage looks and limit turnovers positions them well in a matchup where tempo is likely to be elevated. Ole Miss brings strong guard play and athleticism, but their recent rebounding issues and turnover inconsistencies create vulnerabilities against a structured team like Iowa.

If the Rebels control the offensive glass and establish Kamardine’s playmaking early, they can challenge Iowa’s pace. However, the Hawkeyes’ scoring consistency across all five starters makes them the more reliable side. More analysis of similar high-scoring matchups can be found on the NCAAB previews hub.

Projected Final Score: Iowa Hawkeyes 88, Ole Miss Rebels 84
Best Spread Pick: Iowa Hawkeyes -2.5
Total Lean: Over 146.5

Why You Need Expert Picks

Neutral-site matchups like this often hinge on hidden factors such as lineup depth, pace variance, and regression indicators tied to shooting efficiency. Expert handicappers track these nuances and compare multiple projection models for stronger line evaluation. The Handicappers Leaderboard on the college basketball picks portal highlights proven specialists capable of identifying value spots in dynamic markets.

For additional support, bettors can reference multi-source evaluations through the handicapper reviews hub. These resources assist with gauging sharpside identification, matchup leverage, and total projections that often influence tournament games.