Northwestern vs Penn State Prediction College Basketball Picks 1/2/25

In this article, we will formulate a Northwestern vs Penn State prediction for this College Basketball game on Thursday, January 2nd at the Bryce Jordan Center in University Park, Pennsylvania. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this College Basketball matchup.

Northwestern Wildcats Betting Preview

The Northwestern Wildcats are 10-3 (1-1) this year after they defeated Northeastern by a score of 85-60 in their last game. Northwestern led 35-33 at halftime, but they scored 50 points in the second half to pull away in the win. The Wildcats shot 53.6% from the field, 36% on three-pointers, and 72.7% on free throws in the game. Ty Berry led Northwestern with 23 points and three rebounds, while Brooks Barnhizer added 22 points and 10 rebounds in the win. 

Prior to that game, the Wildcats defeated DePaul by a score of 84-64 and Georgia Tech by a score of 71-60. Northwestern has won four games in a row, including a 70-66 win against Illinois for their first conference win of the season. Northwestern has scored 74.6 points per game and they have allowed 63.8 points per game, while also averaging 35.5 rebounds and 14.8 assists per game this year. Nick Martinelli is averaging 20.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game, while Brooks Barnhizer is averaging 20.1 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game this season. Northwestern is shooting 45.2% from the field, 71.9% on free throws, and 33.5% on three-pointers this year. 

Penn State Nittany Lions Betting Preview

The Penn State Nittany Lions are 11-2 (1-1) this season after they defeated Penn by a score of 86-66 in their last game. Penn State led 34-31 at halftime and they scored 52 points in the second half for the nice win. The Nittany Lions shot 45.5% from the field, 22.2% on three-pointers, and 84.6% on free throws in the game. Ace Baldwin Jr. led Penn State with 23 points and 10 assists, while Yanic Konan Niederhauser added 19 points and 15 rebounds in the win. 

Prior to that game, the Nittany Lions defeated Drexel by a score of 75-64 and Coppin State by a score of 99-51. Penn State has won five of its last six games, including a win over Purdue by a score of 81-70 and a loss to Rutgers by a score of 80-76. Penn State has scored 88.2 points per game and they have allowed 67 points per game, while also averaging 37.5 rebounds and 18.8 assists per game this season. Ace Baldwin Jr. is averaging 14.8 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 8.6 assists per game, while Yanic Konan Niederhauser is averaging 13.5 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks per game this year. Penn State is shooting 50.4% from the field, 75.6% on free throws, and 35.8% on three-pointers this season. 

Why Penn State will beat Northwestern

• Penn State has won each of its last nine games at Bryce Jordan Center against non-AP-ranked opponents.
• Northwestern has lost four of its last five road night games against the Big Ten Conference.
• Northwestern has lost the first half in each of its last three games against the Big Ten Conference.

Why Northwestern will beat Penn State

• Northwestern has won five of its last six games.

Total Points Facts

• Each of Penn State’s last 14 games against non-AP-ranked opponents at Bryce Jordan Center has produced a total of 148+ points.
• Each of Northwestern’s last 23 Thursday night games against the Big Ten Conference have produced a total of 144 or fewer points.

Northwestern vs Penn State Prediction 

Both of these teams come into this matchup with 1-1 records in conference play, but Penn State will be at home for this contest. The Nittany Lions are scoring over 88 points per game this year and they are shooting 50.4% from the field, but they will face a tough Northwestern defense here. The Wildcats have allowed 63.8 points per game this year and have held their last three opponents to 64 points or fewer. This will be an interesting battle to see who can control the pace, but I do like how both teams are scoring right now and I think we are going to see plenty of points. Take the over here.