There are few teams more difficult for the #14/15 Iowa Hawkeyes (6-1, 0-1) to face coming off a loss than the #9/8 Michigan State Spartans (6-2, 1-0).
Though conference play provides a step up for many Big Ten teams, it is a bit of a reprieve for the Spartans, who have already faced three teams who were in last year’s NCAA tournament. Their two losses are away from home - Kansas as a part of the neutral Champions’ Classic, 92-87, and an overtime road loss to Louisville, 82-78. Their wins are highlighted as victors of the Las Vegas Invitational (UCLA and Texas) and Friday night’s road victory against Rutgers.