NCAAB · Final

Minnesota Edges Iowa in Close Contest at Williams Arena

Tuesday, January 6, 2026, 8:00 PM ET · Williams Arena

Minnesota Golden Gophers 70, Iowa Hawkeyes 67, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.

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Quick answers

Who won Iowa Hawkeyes vs Minnesota Golden Gophers?

Minnesota Golden Gophers beat Iowa Hawkeyes 70-67 at Williams Arena on January 6, 2026.

Who was favored in Iowa Hawkeyes vs Minnesota Golden Gophers?

Iowa Hawkeyes were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -230 (about 70% implied). The underdog won.

In a thrilling matchup at Williams Arena, the Minnesota Golden Gophers narrowly defeated the Iowa Hawkeyes with a final score of 70-67. This game was significant as it showcased the competitive spirit of both teams, particularly as they were both riding winning streaks entering the contest. Minnesota came into the game with a home record of 10-5, while Iowa held a strong away record of 12-3.

Both teams demonstrated impressive recent form leading up to this fixture. Minnesota had a record of 6-4 over their last ten games, including a four-game winning streak. They averaged 71.5 points scored per game while allowing 66.2 points. Their last five games saw them perform even better, with an average of 73.6 points scored and just 61.8 points allowed. In contrast, Iowa boasted an 8-2 record in their last ten games, also on a four-game winning streak. They averaged 77.2 points scored and allowed only 58.3 points during this stretch, showcasing their strong offensive and defensive capabilities.

When considering their home and away performances, Minnesota had a home record of 5-2, while Iowa's away record was 1-2. This context added an extra layer of intrigue to the matchup, as Minnesota looked to capitalize on their home court advantage.

Historically, the two teams had met once before in the 2025 season, with Minnesota winning that encounter 72-67. This previous victory likely fueled their confidence heading into this game.

In terms of injuries, the block did not provide specific details about player availability, but any missing key players could have influenced the matchup. The absence of significant contributors would have been felt by either side, impacting their performance and strategies.

The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had Iowa favored by 4.5 points, with a total set at 130.5. The odds reflected the expectations of the teams' performances, considering their recent form and historical context.

The conditions at Williams Arena were conducive to an exciting game, with both teams eager to extend their winning streaks. As the game unfolded, it was clear that the intensity and competitiveness were palpable, leading to a close finish.

The scoring plays in the second half were particularly noteworthy, with several key moments that shifted momentum. Brendan Hausen made a crucial 24-foot three-point jumper, bringing Iowa within one point at 63-62. Cooper Koch then put Iowa ahead temporarily with a floating jump shot. However, Minnesota responded with a series of free throws and a three-pointer from Jaylen Crocker-Johnson, ultimately sealing the victory.

As the game concluded, Minnesota's win probability was reported at 1.0, indicating their strong performance and ability to close out the game effectively. This victory not only added to their home record but also demonstrated their resilience against a formidable opponent.

Odds

Book	Spread	Total	Moneyline
DraftKings	IOWA -4.5	130.5 o -115 / u -105	Iowa Hawkeyes -230 · Minnesota Golden Gophers +190

What these prices pay on $100 · What these numbers mean

Leaders

PointsLangston Reynolds22Minnesota Golden Gophers
AssistsLangston Reynolds4Minnesota Golden Gophers
ReboundsJaylen Crocker-Johnson6Minnesota Golden Gophers
PointsBennett Stirtz21Iowa Hawkeyes
AssistsCooper Koch3Iowa Hawkeyes
ReboundsCam Manyawu8Iowa Hawkeyes

Recent form

Minnesota Golden Gophers

Last 10: 6-4Streak W471.5 scored · 66.2 allowed per game5-2 at home

W84-78at Northwestern WildcatsJan 3
W60-43vs Fairleigh Dickinson KnightsDec 30
W78-50vs Campbell Fighting CamelsDec 21
W89-53vs Texas Southern TigersDec 14
L57-85at Purdue BoilermakersDec 11
W73-64vs Indiana HoosiersDec 4
L75-86at Santa Clara BroncosNov 29
L68-72vs Stanford CardinalNov 28
L65-77vs San Francisco DonsNov 22
W66-54vs Chicago State CougarsNov 19

Iowa Hawkeyes

Last 10: 8-2Streak W477.2 scored · 58.3 allowed per game1-2 away

W74-61vs UCLA BruinsJan 3
W90-62vs UMass Lowell River HawksDec 29
W94-39vs Bucknell BisonDec 20
W91-51vs Western Michigan BroncosDec 14
L62-66at Iowa State CyclonesDec 12
W83-64vs Maryland TerrapinsDec 6
L52-71at Michigan State SpartansDec 3
W59-46at Grand Canyon LopesNov 27
W74-69vs Ole Miss RebelsNov 26
W93-54vs Chicago State CougarsNov 21

Standings

Team	Overall	Games behind	In conference
Michigan	37-3	-	19-1
Nebraska	28-7	4	15-5
Michigan State	27-8	4	15-5
Illinois	28-9	4	15-5
Wisconsin	24-11	5	14-6
Purdue	30-9	6	13-7
UCLA	24-12	6	13-7
Ohio State	21-13	7	12-8
Iowa	24-13	9	10-10
Indiana	18-14	10	9-11
Minnesota	15-18	11	8-12
USC	18-14	12	7-13
Washington	16-17	12	7-13
Rutgers	14-20	13	6-14
Northwestern	15-19	14	5-15
Oregon	12-20	14	5-15
Maryland	12-21	15	4-16
Penn State	12-20	16	3-17

Box score

Stat	Iowa Hawkeyes	Minnesota Golden Gophers
Field goals	25-63	22-47
Field goal %	40	47
Three-pointers	7-26	5-20
Three-point %	27	25
Free throws	10-13	21-28
Free throw %	77	75
Rebounds	39	28
Offensive rebounds	14	3
Defensive rebounds	25	25
Assists	12	15
Steals	5	10
Blocks	4	3
Turnovers	14	10
Team turnovers	1	0
Technical fouls	0	0
Technical fouls, total	0	0
Flagrant fouls	0	0
Points off turnovers	13	20
Fast-break points	2	11
Points in the paint	30	30
Fouls	22	17
Largest lead	4	14
Lead changes	6	6
Time in front	7	91

How the scoring went

2nd Half33-42Jaylen Crocker-Johnson makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half36-42Tate Sage makes 23-foot three point jumper (Bennett Stirtz assists)
2nd Half36-44Langston Reynolds makes driving layup
2nd Half39-44Tavion Banks makes 24-foot three point jumper (Bennett Stirtz assists)
2nd Half39-45Isaac Asuma makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half39-46Isaac Asuma makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half39-47Isaac Asuma makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half39-48Isaac Asuma makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half39-51Bobby Durkin makes 25-foot three point jumper (Langston Reynolds assists)
2nd Half39-52Bobby Durkin makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half39-53Bobby Durkin makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half41-53Bennett Stirtz makes 16-foot jumper
2nd Half41-54Jaylen Crocker-Johnson makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half42-54Tavion Banks makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half43-54Tavion Banks makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half43-56Langston Reynolds makes driving layup (Bobby Durkin assists)
2nd Half44-56Bennett Stirtz makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half44-58Cade Tyson makes layup (Grayson Grove assists)
2nd Half45-58Bennett Stirtz makes free throw 1 of 3
2nd Half46-58Bennett Stirtz makes free throw 2 of 3
2nd Half47-58Bennett Stirtz makes free throw 3 of 3
2nd Half48-58Bennett Stirtz makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half49-58Bennett Stirtz makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half49-59Langston Reynolds makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half51-59Kael Combs makes 7-foot turnaround jump shot
2nd Half52-59Kael Combs makes free throw 1 of 1
2nd Half52-60Cade Tyson makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half54-60Isaia Howard makes layup
2nd Half56-60Kael Combs makes driving layup
2nd Half56-62Langston Reynolds makes layup (Jaylen Crocker-Johnson assists)
2nd Half59-62Bennett Stirtz makes 24-foot three point jumper
2nd Half59-63Cade Tyson makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half62-63Brendan Hausen makes 24-foot three point jumper (Isaia Howard assists)
2nd Half64-63Cooper Koch makes 4-foot floating jump shot
2nd Half64-66Jaylen Crocker-Johnson makes 26-foot three point jumper (Langston Reynolds assists)
2nd Half64-67Bobby Durkin makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half64-68Bobby Durkin makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half67-68Bennett Stirtz makes 25-foot three pointer
2nd Half67-69Isaac Asuma makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half67-70Isaac Asuma makes free throw 2 of 2