Richmond Spiders Vs. Iowa Hawkeyes Odds, Picks, and Predictions (3/17/22)

Thursday is the opening day for the Round of 64 in the NCAA Tournament, and this game is one of my favorite No. 5 seed versus No. 12 seed matchups. The Richmond Spiders will take on the Iowa Hawkeyes and try to knock off the Big Ten Tournament Champions. Iowa has been tremendous over its past ten games, winning nine of them. The only game the Hawkeyes lost was against Illinois by two points on the road. That loss being forgivable is a massive understatement! Meanwhile, Richmond won four straight games in the A10 tournament, including a two-point win over Davidson, to ensure its spot in the NCAA tournament. This is a tough Richmond team that is peaking at the right time! You will want to tune in and watch Hawkeyes’ star and likely lottery pick, Keegan Murray, who is averaging roughly 24 points and nine rebounds this season in an incredibly challenging Big Ten conference. Other players to keep an eye out for are Jordan Bohannon, who hit a game-winning shot against the Hoosiers in the Big Ten Tournament semifinals, Kris Murray, Keegan’s brother, and Tyler Burton of the Richmond Spiders.

Richmond Spiders Vs. Iowa Hawkeyes Betting Odds

Richmond Spiders Betting Odds

Even as early as one week ago, no one saw the Richmond Spiders sneaking into the NCAA Tournament. The Spiders won their conference tournament by securing four straight wins, including a close two-point victory over Davidson in the A10 Championship game. Davidson could have been a No. 6 seed had it not dropped that game, so Richmond is capable of winning big games. KenPom has Richmond as the 83rd best team in the nation using his adjusted efficiency margin formula. The Spiders do not do anything incredibly well but rank 69th in adjusted offensive efficiency, which is solid for a team in the A10 that has lesser competition than some other schools.

Iowa Hawkeyes Betting Odds

Iowa could be the 2022 version of the Kemba Walker-led UCONN Huskies. The Hawkeyes have won nine of their past ten games, with the only loss coming on the road by two points to the Illinois Fighting Illini. Iowa was even able to stop the red-hot Indiana Hoosiers by overcoming a nine-point deficit in the game’s final minutes. It’s fairly suspect that Iowa drew a No. 5 seed after its recent play, especially considering that KenPom has the Hawkeyes as the 13th best team in the nation. For a team that plays in the Big 10, that certainly warrants a No. 4 seed. No matter who Iowa plays, it will be a tough out.

Richmond Spiders Vs. Iowa Hawkeyes Picks & Prediction

Iowa has been phenomenal recently, but a double-digit spread is a lot for a No. 5 seed versus No. 12 seed matchup. Regardless, I will be on the Hawkeyes against the spread. Even when they get off to slow starts, they always bounce back and shoot the lights out. Richmond does not have a defense that can hold this Iowa team at bay and a double-digit deficit at the final horn feels inevitable for the Spiders.

March Madness Bracket