The Iowa Hawkeyes will take on the Clemson Tigers in the first round of the NCAA Men’s Division I Basketball Tournament. This game is set to take place at Amalie Arena in Tampa, FL. Fans can catch the action on Friday, March 20, 2026, at 6:50 PM ET on TNT.
Iowa comes into this postseason game with a regular season record of 21-12. In their recent games, they experienced a close loss to Ohio State, falling 72-69. Before that, they secured a win against Maryland with a score of 75-64. However, they faced a setback against Nebraska, losing 84-75.
Clemson finished their regular season with a 24-10 record. They recently faced a loss against Duke, ending with a score of 73-61. Prior to that, they edged out North Carolina in a tight game, winning 80-79. They also claimed victory over Wake Forest with a score of 71-62.
Clemson Preview
The Clemson Tigers play in the Atlantic Coast Conference. In the 2025 postseason, they were in the Midwest Region. They lost in the first round to McNeese State with a score of 69-67. This was a close game for the Tigers.
During the 2026 regular season, the Tigers had an overall record of 24-10. Their conference record was 14-7. This shows they had a strong season in their conference games.
In recent games, Clemson had mixed results. They lost to Duke by 12 points, with a score of 73-61. However, they won against North Carolina by 1 point, with a score of 80-79. They also won against Wake Forest by 9 points, with a score of 71-62.
The Tigers have some standout players. RJ Godfrey scored 18 points against Duke and 13 points against North Carolina. Nick Davidson had 17 points and 11 rebounds in the game against North Carolina. These players have been key contributors to the team’s performance.
Iowa Preview
The Iowa Hawkeyes play in the Big Ten Conference. In the 2026 regular season, they had an overall record of 21-12. Their conference record was 11-11, showing they faced tough competition.
In recent games, the Hawkeyes had mixed results. They lost to Ohio State by a score of 72-69. Before that, they won against Maryland with a score of 75-64. They also lost to Nebraska, 84-75.
The team’s offensive stats show they score 75.2 points per game. They have a high field goal percentage of 49.1%, ranking 21st. Their three-point shooting is decent, with a percentage of 35.7%.
Key players include Bennett Stirtz, who averages 20 points per game. Tavion Banks contributes with 10.5 points per game. Alvaro Folgueiras adds 8.1 points and 3.8 rebounds per game.
Statistical Breakdown for Clemson vs Iowa
The game between Clemson and Iowa will be shaped by key stats. Clemson scores 74.1 points per game, while Iowa scores 75.2 points per game. Iowa’s shooting accuracy is high, with a field goal percentage of 49.1%. Clemson’s field goal percentage is 45.3%. Rebounding could also be important, as Clemson averages 34.3 rebounds per game, compared to Iowa’s 29.4 rebounds per game.
- Clemson Points Per Game: 74.1
- Iowa Points Per Game: 75.2
- Clemson Field Goal Percentage: 45.3%
- Iowa Field Goal Percentage: 49.1%
- Clemson Rebounds Per Game: 34.3
- Iowa Rebounds Per Game: 29.4
- Clemson Assists Per Game: 12.8
- Iowa Assists Per Game: 15.3
Betting Insights
The Iowa Hawkeyes and Clemson Tigers are set to play, and bettors are looking at key trends to guide their decisions. Iowa has struggled against the spread, while Clemson has shown strength in this area. Both teams have similar records in totals, making it an interesting game for over/under bets. Let’s dive into the top betting trends for this game.
- Clemson is 9-1 straight up in their last 10 games.
- Iowa is 3-14 straight up as an underdog.
- Clemson is 7-3 against the spread in their last 10 games.
- Iowa is 13-20 against the spread in all games.
- Clemson is 17-11 against the spread as a favorite.
Free Betting Prediction for Clemson vs Iowa
The game between Clemson and Iowa is set to be competitive. Clemson has had a strong season, especially in conference games. Their recent performances against teams like North Carolina and Wake Forest show they can win close games. Key players like RJ Godfrey and Nick Davidson have been important for Clemson’s success.
Iowa, on the other hand, has shown mixed results in recent games. They have a slight edge in scoring with 75.2 points per game. Their shooting accuracy is better than Clemson’s, but they struggle with rebounding. Bennett Stirtz is a standout player, but the team needs more consistency to win.
Considering the stats and recent performances, Clemson’s ability to win close games might give them an edge. Their strong record against the spread also suggests they can cover the spread as underdogs. The game could be close, but Clemson’s recent form and key players might help them win.
- Our Free Prediction: Clemson +2.5
