Ball State vs Northern Illinois Prediction 2/28/2026 Today’s College Basketball Picks

The Ball State Cardinals and Northern Illinois Huskies meet Saturday in college basketball action at the NIU Convocation Center. Here’s a Ball State vs. Northern Illinois prediction. This article will include a Ball State vs. Northern Illinois pick.

Ball State Cardinals Betting Preview

The Ball State Cardinals lost to Akron and beat UMass, and they play Western Michigan next. Ball State has lost 6 of its last 8 games.

The Ball State Cardinals are averaging 66.3 points on 40.9 percent shooting and allowing 70.4 points on 44.9 percent shooting. Davion Hill is averaging 13.4 points and 2.1 assists, while Armoni Zeigler is averaging 12 points and 4.9 rebounds. Joey Hart is dishing out 1 assist and Devon Barnes is grabbing 1.5 rebounds. The Ball State Cardinals are shooting 30.7 percent from beyond the arc and 69.9 percent from the free throw line. The Ball State Cardinals are allowing 33.9 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 27.9 rebounds per game.

Northern Illinois Huskies Betting Preview

The Northern Illinois Huskies lost to Ohio and Toledo, and they play Kent State next. Northern Illinois has lost 4 of its last 5 games.

The Northern Illinois Huskies are averaging 70.9 points on 42.2 percent shooting and allowing 76.3 points on 47.9 percent shooting. Makhai Valentine is averaging 13.8 points and 5.4 rebounds, while Dylan Ducommun is averaging 11.5 points and 2.9 rebounds. Gianni Cobb is dishing out 4 assists, and JJ Taylor is grabbing 2.7 rebounds. The Northern Illinois Huskies are shooting 32.1 percent from beyond the arc and 66.1 percent from the free throw line. The Northern Illinois Huskies are allowing 32.8 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 31.4 rebounds per game.

Why the Northern Illinois Huskies will win

• Ball State has lost 10 of its last 11 road games against the Mid-American Conference.
• Northern Illinois has won four of its last five games following a road loss.
• The home team has won the first half in 10 of Northern Illinois’ last 12 games.

Why the Ball State Cardinals will win

• Northern Illinois has lost each of its last four day games against the Mid-American Conference.
• Ball State has won six of its last seven games against Northern Illinois.
• Ball State has won the first half in five of its last six day games against Northern Illinois.

Total Points: Facts

• Each of Northern Illinois’ last 12 home day games against the Mid-American Conference has produced a total of 137+ points.
• Thirty-two of Ball State’s last 36 day games against the Mid-American Conference have produced a total of 136+ points.

Matchup/League Facts

• Ball State ranks T47th among Division 1 teams for opponent steals per game this season (5.6).

Ball State vs Northern Illinois Prediction

Two bad teams in the MAC, the difference for me is home court. Ball State has just two road wins this season, while Northern Illinois has seen six of its nine wins come at home. Northern Illinois hung in the first meeting last month on the road, as it was a three-point game with five minutes left. The underdog has had success in past meetings, but we’re laying less than a full bucketful. Northern Illinois should have the edge at home. Give me the Huskies.

Randy Chambers's Pick: Northern Illinois -1.5