The ride continues for Caitlin Clark and No. 1 Iowa (31-4), who will take on No. 5 Colorado (24-9) in a premier Sweet 16 matchup. The Buffaloes were eliminated by the Hawkeyes at this same stage of last year’s NCAA Tournament, so there are plenty of storylines to keep track of.
Most will be tuning in to see if Clark can prolong her historic season and bring Iowa even closer to its first national title, but Colorado has a chance to build upon its March Madness run with a massive upset.
Here are our best bets for Iowa vs. Colorado in the Women’s NCAA Tournament.
Iowa vs Colorado Odds
All NCAAW odds are current as of Thursday, March 28, at 3 p.m. ET.
- Spread: Iowa -7 (-110) • Colorado +7 (-110)
- Moneyline: Iowa (-360) • Colorado (+280)
- Total: Over 160.5 (-110) • Under 160.5 (-110)
The Hawkeyes are a sizable 7-point favorite over the Buffaloes, which isn’t all that surprising. Iowa has become America’s team, but it’s also earned the right to be favored over most teams. Colorado has also gone 5-8 against ranked opponents, while Iowa is 4-2 against top-25 squads.
The total is set at 160.5 points, which is the highest of any Sweet 16 game. However, the Hawkeyes rank No. 1 in points per game and offensive rating, while the Buffaloes are No. 29 in each metric.
Iowa vs Colorado Prediction
Iowa 91, Colorado 81
Few teams can survive Iowa’s efficient offensive attack, and I don’t see Colorado as one of them. The Hawkeyes lead the nation in scoring, two-point percentage (60%), three-point makes (11.1), and assists per game (21.4) while also ranking inside the top 10 in numerous other categories.
It’s not all Clark, either. Sophomore forward Hannah Stuelke has emerged as an excellent complement, averaging 14.1 points and 6.7 rebounds per game while shooting over 63% from the field. She came up big in Iowa’s win over West Virginia, collecting four blocks along with 12 points and 11 rebounds.
Ultimately, this just feels like too early an exit for the Hawkeyes. I penciled in the Buffaloes as my lowest remaining seed in the Sweet 16, but unless Iowa goes cold against a relatively lax three-point defense, it should come out on top quite comfortably.
Iowa vs Colorado Best Bets
Iowa -7 (-110) vs Colorado
bet365 Sportsbook • WAGER: 1 Unit
The storybook ending won’t come easy for Clark and the Hawkeyes, but they have the talent to go out and get it. They haven’t overlooked their competition thus far, and although the Buffaloes have a fantastic offense, they aren’t likely to beat Iowa at its own game.
Back the Hawkeyes as 7-point favorites with your best college basketball bet today.
Over 160.5 Points (-110)
bet365 Sportsbook • WAGER: 1 Unit
This is an incredibly high total, but that’s not unusual for Iowa. The Hawkeyes have had 20 games go Over 160.5 points this season, including 12 of their last 16.
Colorado’s offense has faltered a bit against superior competition, but given that Iowa allows over 71 points per game, the Buffaloes should be in for a productive outing.
