Expert prediction
NCAA First Round: Iowa vs Clemson Preview, Odds, Predictions (March 20)
Pick rationale
Analysis & key factors
- The Hawkeyes are back in their first NCAA Tournament since 2023.
- The Tigers make their third consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance.
- This marks the fifth all-time matchup between the two squads.
One of the more interesting matchups of the March 20 slate will happen in the first round of the 2026 NCAA Tournament when the Iowa Hawkeyes take on the Clemson Tigers on Friday evening. The former comes out as the slight favorite, fighting for a place in the second round.
How to Watch
- When: Friday, March 20, 6:50 pm ET
- Where: Benchmark International Arena, Tampa, Florida
- How to Watch: TNT
NCAA Matchup Odds & Lines
| Team | Odds | Spread | Totals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iowa | -107 | -1.5 | O130 |
| Clemson | -113 | +1.5 | U130 |
Game Preview
The Hawkeyes (21-12) make their way back to the NCAA Tournament in their first season under head coach Ben McCollum. Iowa ranks 21st nationally in field goal percentage, shooting 49.1 percent. The team also is 20th in effective field goal percentage (.519), while allowing 66 points per game, the fewest in the Big Ten and 17th-fewest nationally. Bennett Stirtz finished third in the Big Ten in scoring in league-only games, averaging 22.2 points to go along with 3.8 assists, 2.3 rebounds and 1.4 steals with a .500/.373/.839 shooting clip. He had three 30-point and 13 20-point contests in league play, scoring 30 or more points three times and 20 or more points in 11 times in the last 16 games.
The Tigers (24-10) enjoyed a solid run in conference play, reaching the semifinals of the ACC Tournament before losing to Duke. Clemson shoots 45.3 percent from the field and 34.1 percent from long range, averaging 8.2 made 3s per contest. The Tigers have +56 in points at the free throw stripe. Defensively, the Tigers are second in the ACC and 27th nationally, allowing 66.7 points. Opponents shot 41.9 percent from the field and 32.6 percent from 3-point land. RJ Godfrey, an honorable mention All-ACC performer, leads the team with an 11.9 scoring average to go along with 5.3 rebounds while shooting 61.2 percent from the field.
Iowa vs Clemson Head-to-Head
The two programs have had four meetings in their history, and the result is 3-1 for the Hawkeyes. The last matchup was in November 2022 when Iowa won 74-71.
Iowa vs Clemson Predictions
The winner of this matchup will take on the victors between Florida and Prairie View A&M in the second round. This game presents itself as a tossup with both teams fighting for a place in the next stage. Bennett Stirtz will look to have a crucial impact on this game as Clemson will have a hard time keeping him in check. Our betting pick here is the Wolverines to defend a 1.5-point spread.
- Free NCAAB pick: Iowa Hawkeyes -1.5
NCAAB
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