Iowa Hawkeyes vs Florida Gators Picks and Predictions for Sunday, March 22, 2026
Use Code WWWC The Iowa Hawkeyes will remain in Tampa Bay on Sunday for a matchup against the Florida Gators in Round 2 of the tournament, and we have you ready to roll with our Iowa vs. Florida prediction. Iowa comes into Sunday with 22 wins and 12 losses this season. The Florida Gators are the No. 1 seed in the South region heading into this matchup with 27 wins and 7 losses. Iowa comes into Sunday having won two of the last three, following a six-point victory against Clemson in round one of the tournament. Florida comes into this matchup after winning its last five games following a near 60-point victory to open the NCAA tournament. Read more about this Iowa vs Florida prediction! Struggling with handicapping? Try our NCAAB Predictions!
Iowa looks to get by the defending champs
Offensively, Iowa is averaging 75 points on 49% shooting before the season. Defensively, the Hawkeyes are allowing 65.8 points per game this year and have given an average of 62.5 points per game over the last two wins. Iowa did the work in their last outing, scoring 67 points on 38% shooting. Defensively, Iowa was the better team, allowing just 61 points on 41% shooting. Iowa won the rebounding battle by 13 and forced 3 turnovers to seal the victory. Bennett Stirtz led the way for the Iowa offense with 16 points on 17 shots.
Bennett Stirtz leads the Iowa offense this season with 19.9 points and 4.4 assists. Taivon Banks is 2nd on the roster, averaging 10.3 points per game. Alvaro Folguerias averages 8.3 points, and Cooper Koch is 4th on the team, averaging 7.7 points per game. Cam Manyawu is averaging 6.9 points to go along with a team-leading 7 rebounds per game.
Key Injury Report for Iowa:
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- Peyton McCollum (Out) – Foot
Florida continues to push for the repeat
The Florida offense has carried the team this season, averaging 87.6 points on 48% shooting. Defensively, Florida has allowed 71.5 points per game this season through 34 games played. Offensively, Florida dominated in the last outing, scoring 114 points, shooting 64% from the field, and 45% from beyond the arc. Defensively, the Gators controlled the game, giving up 55 points on 27% shooting. Florida won the rebounding battle by 34 and forced 7 turnovers in the win. Boogie Fland led the way for the Florida offense with 16 points on six shots.
Thomas Haugh leads the Florida offense this season, averaging 17 points per game. Alex Condon is second on the team, averaging 14.9 points, and Boogie Fland averages 11.7 points per game this season. Xavier Lee averages 11.4 points to go along with the team's leading 4.2 assists. Big man Rueben Chinyelu averages 11.2 points and leads the team with an average of 11.5 rebounds per game.
Key Injury Report for Florida:
- None
Iowa vs Florida Pick
- Iowa vs Florida Spread Pick
Iowa has had a solid season heading into the second round, but it will face a juggernaut in this matchup. Florida averages more than 11 points per game more than Iowa, and that will be a factor on Sunday. Look for the Gators to get out and run as they control this game from the onset against a solid Iowa team. Take Florida Sunday to do the jobs and get the win and cover against the Iowa Hawkeyes.
- Iowa vs Florida Over/Under Pick
Both teams score the ball well, and each has an elite defense in this matchup. I expect Iowa to have to slow the pace in this matchup, keep things close, and will do so on Sunday. Look for a slow grind-out game between 2 elite teams in the second half. The Florida Gators are going to do the job to get the win and cover to advance, but the game will go under the number Sunday in Tampa
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