Are you eager to watch Iowa Women vs. Murray State? The Iowa Hawkeyes (No. 6 seed) face off against the Murray State Racers (No. 11 seed) in the first round of the NCAA Women’s Tournament. This high-stakes matchup features Iowa’s balanced attack against Murray State’s high-powered offense, promising a fast-paced, high-scoring game.
🔥 Iowa enters as the clear favorite, but Murray State has upset potential, thanks to their elite scoring ability. Below, we break down the betting odds, key stats, best bets, and predictions for this March Madness showdown.
📊 Iowa Women vs. Murray State Odds & Betting Lines
📌 Odds are subject to change. Check bet365 sportsbook for the latest updates.
📢 Key Takeaway: Iowa is favored, but Murray State’s offense makes them a dangerous underdog. If Iowa doesn’t control the tempo, this game could turn into a shootout.
🐤 Iowa Hawkeyes Betting Analysis & Key Stats
The Iowa Hawkeyes (22-10) bring a well-rounded team that excels in both scoring and defense. Last year they had an incredible run, led by Caitlin Clark so they have big shoes to fill. Their ability to control the game’s pace will be critical against Murray State’s fast offense.
✅ PPG (Points Per Game): 74.5
✅ FG% (Field Goal Percentage): 46.2%
✅ 3PT% (Three-Point Percentage): 35.1%
✅ Turnovers per Game: 12.0
✅ Defensive Rating: 66.0 PPG allowed
🔑 Key Players to Watch – Iowa Hawkeyes
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Hannah Stuelke (F): 16.8 PPG, 8.2 RPG, 2.1 APG
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Sydney Affolter (G): 14.5 PPG, 4.9 APG, 3.7 RPG
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Addison O’Grady (C): 12.3 PPG, 6.5 RPG
🔥 Iowa’s Strengths:
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Elite Shooting Efficiency: 46.2% FG and 35.1% from three keep defenses on edge.
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Balanced Playstyle: Strong in both offense and defense, unlike Murray State.
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Low Turnovers: Only 12.0 per game, minimizing wasted possessions.
⚠️ Iowa’s Weaknesses:
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Not Built for Fast-Paced Games: If the game turns into a track meet, Murray State could take advantage.
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Defensive Lapses: Allowing 66.0 PPG could be a problem against an elite scoring team.
🐎 Murray State Racers Betting Analysis & Key Stats
The Murray State Racers (25-7) are an offensive powerhouse, ranking among the top-scoring teams in the country.
✅ PPG (Points Per Game): 87.8 (Top 5 in NCAA)
✅ FG% (Field Goal Percentage): 48.5%
✅ 3PT% (Three-Point Percentage): 37.2%
✅ Turnovers per Game: 13.5
✅ Defensive Rating: 72.1 PPG allowed
🔑 Key Players to Watch – Murray State Racers
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Katelyn Young (F): 22.2 PPG, 7.8 RPG, 2.3 APG
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Halli Poock (G): 17.1 PPG, 5.2 APG, 3.9 RPG
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Ava Learn (F): 13.9 PPG, 9.7 RPG
🔥 Murray State’s Strengths:
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Explosive Offense: 87.8 PPG ranks among the best in the NCAA.
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Three-Point Shooting: 37.2% from deep makes them a threat from anywhere.
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Fast Break Mastery: They excel in transition, making them dangerous if they control the tempo.
⚠️ Murray State’s Weaknesses:
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Weak Defense: Allowing 72.1 PPG, one of the worst among tournament teams.
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Turnover Issues: 13.5 per game could lead to easy Iowa buckets.
🏀 Iowa vs. Murray State Head-to-Head Matchup
| Category | Iowa Hawkeyes | Murray State Racers |
|---|---|---|
| PPG | 74.5 | 87.8 |
| FG% | 46.2% | 48.5% |
| 3PT% | 35.1% | 37.2% |
| Turnovers per Game | 12.0 | 13.5 |
| Points Allowed per Game | 66.0 | 72.1 |
📌 Key Takeaway: Iowa is more balanced, but Murray State is an elite scoring team. If Iowa controls the pace, they win. If it’s fast, Murray State has a shot.
💰 Betting Predictions & Best Bets
🔥 Expert Pick: Murray State +9.5 (-110)
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Murray State’s offense should keep them in the game, making this a great bet.
📉 Best Prop Bets
✅ Over 165.5 Total Points (-110)
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Two high-scoring teams should push this game past the total.
✅ Katelyn Young Over 20.5 Points (-110)
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Murray State’s star forward will be heavily involved.
✅ Hannah Stuelke Over 8.5 Rebounds (-120)
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Iowa’s top rebounder should have a big game inside.
📅 Game Information
📅 Date: Saturday, March 22, 2025
📍 Location: Lloyd Noble Center, Norman, Oklahoma
📺 TV Broadcast: ESPN
🎟️ Tickets: Available via NCAA March Madness site
🔮 Final Score Prediction
🏀 Iowa 85, Murray State 78
✅ Iowa’s balance should help them control the game, but expect a high-scoring battle.
✅ Murray State will keep this close, making them a great underdog pick.
✅ Iowa wins, but Murray State covers the spread (+9.5).
📢 Final Thoughts – Can Murray State Pull Off the Upset?
📌 Iowa’s defense will be tested against Murray State’s elite scoring.
📌 For bettors, the best plays are:
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✅ Over 165.5 (Scoring will be high)
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✅ Murray State +9.5 (They’ll keep it close)
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✅ Katelyn Young Over 20.5 Points (She’s their go-to player)
🔥 Who are you betting on? Let us know! 🏀💸
