Iowa Hawkeyes Edge Rutgers Scarlet Knights in Close Contest
Tuesday, January 20, 2026, 8:30 PM ET · Carver-Hawkeye Arena
Iowa Hawkeyes 68, Rutgers Scarlet Knights 62, 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 Rutgers Scarlet Knights vs Iowa Hawkeyes?
Iowa Hawkeyes beat Rutgers Scarlet Knights 68-62 at Carver-Hawkeye Arena on January 20, 2026.
Who was favored in Rutgers Scarlet Knights vs Iowa Hawkeyes?
Iowa Hawkeyes were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -2400 (about 96% implied). The favorite won.
In a tightly contested game at Carver-Hawkeye Arena, the Iowa Hawkeyes emerged victorious against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights with a final score of 68-62. This matchup was particularly noteworthy as Iowa, boasting a home record of 14-5, faced off against a struggling Rutgers team with an away record of 9-10. The victory marked Iowa's second consecutive win, improving their recent form to 6-4 over their last ten games, while Rutgers fell to 4-6 in the same stretch, extending their losing streak to one game.
Iowa's performance showcased their ability to score, averaging 77.6 points per game while allowing only 62.4 in their recent ten games. In contrast, Rutgers has struggled defensively, allowing an average of 79.9 points while scoring 69.9. This disparity in scoring averages was evident throughout the game, as Iowa's defense held Rutgers to just 62 points. The Hawkeyes' recent form included a notable win against the Indiana Hoosiers just days prior, where they secured a 74-57 victory. However, they faced challenges earlier in the month, suffering losses to teams like Purdue and Illinois.
At home, Iowa has been particularly strong, with a record of 5-1 in their last six home games. Their offensive capabilities were on display as they managed to score a total of 68 points against Rutgers, but they also faced a determined opponent that fought hard to stay in the game. The Scarlet Knights, on the other hand, have struggled on the road, failing to secure a win in their last four away games. Their last five games saw them average 76.0 points but also concede an alarming 83.4 points, which ultimately contributed to their defeat against Iowa.
In their previous meeting during the 2025 season, Iowa had also triumphed over Rutgers with an 84-73 victory. This history of success against Rutgers likely provided Iowa with added confidence heading into this matchup. The Hawkeyes' home advantage was further emphasized by the betting lines set by DraftKings, which favored Iowa at -17.5, indicating a strong belief in their ability to dominate the game.
In terms of injuries, the block did not specify any key players missing from either team, which allowed both squads to field their strongest lineups. This absence of injury concerns likely contributed to the competitive nature of the game, as both teams were able to execute their strategies without significant disruptions.
The conditions in Carver-Hawkeye Arena were conducive to a high-energy game, with fans supporting the Hawkeyes throughout. The atmosphere was electric, and the home crowd played a crucial role in rallying Iowa to maintain their lead in the second half. Key moments in the game included several scoring plays in the final minutes, where Iowa managed to extend their lead through free throws, particularly from Isaia Howard, who contributed to the final score with crucial points in the closing moments.
As the game progressed, viewers were treated to a display of resilience from both teams, but ultimately, Iowa's stronger defensive performance and home court advantage proved decisive. The Hawkeyes' ability to close out the game effectively showcased their potential as a formidable opponent in the league, while Rutgers will need to reassess their strategies to improve their away performance moving forward.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | IOWA -17.5 | 140.5 o -105 / u -115 | Rutgers Scarlet Knights +1200 · Iowa Hawkeyes -2400 |
Leaders
- PointsBennett Stirtz20Iowa Hawkeyes
- AssistsBennett Stirtz5Iowa Hawkeyes
- ReboundsIsaia Howard8Iowa Hawkeyes
- PointsDarren Buchanan Jr.17Rutgers Scarlet Knights
- AssistsKaden Powers3Rutgers Scarlet Knights
- ReboundsEmmanuel Ogbole10Rutgers Scarlet Knights
Recent form
Iowa Hawkeyes
Last 10: 6-4Streak W177.6 scored · 62.4 allowed per game5-1 at home
- W74-57at Indiana HoosiersJan 17
- L72-79at Purdue BoilermakersJan 14
- L69-75vs Illinois Fighting IlliniJan 11
- L67-70at Minnesota Golden GophersJan 7
- 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
Rutgers Scarlet Knights
Last 10: 4-6Streak L169.9 scored · 79.9 allowed per game0-4 away
- L87-96at Wisconsin BadgersJan 17
- W77-75vs Northwestern WildcatsJan 11
- L55-81at Illinois Fighting IlliniJan 9
- W88-85vs Oregon DucksJan 6
- L73-80vs Ohio State BuckeyesJan 3
- W65-50vs Delaware State HornetsDec 30
- W70-69vs Pennsylvania QuakersDec 21
- L59-81at Seton Hall PiratesDec 14
- L60-101at Michigan WolverinesDec 6
- L65-81vs Purdue BoilermakersDec 3
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 | Rutgers Scarlet Knights | Iowa Hawkeyes |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 19-44 | 24-51 |
| Field goal % | 43 | 47 |
| Three-pointers | 5-18 | 7-19 |
| Three-point % | 28 | 37 |
| Free throws | 19-24 | 13-16 |
| Free throw % | 79 | 81 |
| Rebounds | 31 | 24 |
| Offensive rebounds | 9 | 7 |
| Defensive rebounds | 22 | 17 |
| Assists | 9 | 12 |
| Steals | 6 | 9 |
| Blocks | 5 | 4 |
| Turnovers | 19 | 12 |
| Team turnovers | 3 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 11 | 19 |
| Fast-break points | 5 | 5 |
| Points in the paint | 24 | 30 |
| Fouls | 19 | 19 |
| Largest lead | 5 | 8 |
| Lead changes | 11 | 11 |
| Time in front | 34 | 49 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half35-34Lino Mark makes driving layup
- 2nd Half35-36Bennett Stirtz makes 3-foot dunk
- 2nd Half37-36Dylan Grant makes driving layup
- 2nd Half39-36Tariq Francis makes driving layup
- 2nd Half39-39Tavion Banks makes 24-foot three point jumper (Tate Sage assists)
- 2nd Half40-39Darren Buchanan Jr. makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half41-39Darren Buchanan Jr. makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half42-39Lino Mark makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half43-39Lino Mark makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half43-42Tate Sage makes 24-foot three point jumper (Cam Manyawu assists)
- 2nd Half45-42Dylan Grant makes driving layup
- 2nd Half45-44Isaia Howard makes 5-foot hook shot (Bennett Stirtz assists)
- 2nd Half45-46Bennett Stirtz makes driving layup
- 2nd Half45-47Cam Manyawu makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half45-48Cam Manyawu makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half47-48Darren Buchanan Jr. makes driving layup
- 2nd Half47-50Cam Manyawu makes driving layup (Bennett Stirtz assists)
- 2nd Half47-53Tate Sage makes 23-foot three point jumper (Isaia Howard assists)
- 2nd Half49-53Dylan Grant makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half49-55Bennett Stirtz makes 17-foot jumper
- 2nd Half50-55Tariq Francis makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half51-55Tariq Francis makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half51-56Bennett Stirtz makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half51-57Bennett Stirtz makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half53-57Darren Buchanan Jr. makes driving layup
- 2nd Half53-59Bennett Stirtz makes 9-foot jumper
- 2nd Half55-59Lino Mark makes driving layup
- 2nd Half56-59Lino Mark makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half56-61Tavion Banks makes layup (Bennett Stirtz assists)
- 2nd Half57-61Emmanuel Ogbole makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half58-61Emmanuel Ogbole makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half58-63Bennett Stirtz makes driving layup
- 2nd Half58-64Bennett Stirtz makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half60-64Darren Buchanan Jr. makes 11-foot jumper
- 2nd Half61-64Tariq Francis makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half62-64Tariq Francis makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half62-65Tate Sage makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half62-66Tate Sage makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half62-67Isaia Howard makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half62-68Isaia Howard makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Iowa Hawkeyes, below favours Rutgers Scarlet Knights.
Venue
- Carver-Hawkeye ArenaIowa City, IA
- Attendance9778
- OfficialsEarl Walton, Tim Comer, Jeffrey Anderson
Elsewhere
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- Men's NCAA basketball 2026-27 Way-Too-Early Top 25 rankings
- Transfers, recruits and roster moves for key men's NCAA basketball teams
- Michigan 5-star freshman Brandon McCoy Jr. (knee) to miss season
- With $6.5 million left on deal, UCLA fires AD Martin Jarmond