| MATCHUP | Matadors CSU Northridge | Panthers Northern Iowa |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 1-0 | 0-0 |
| Spread | +8.5 -105 | -8.5 -115 |
| Moneyline | +285 | -360 |
| Total | Over 152.5 (-108) | Under 152.5 (-112) |
| Where | McLeod Center, Cedar Falls, IA | |
| When | Thursday, November 6, 2025 | |
| Time | 08:00 PM EST | |
| TV | ESPN+ | |
The Cal State Northridge Matadors and the Northern Iowa Panthers meet Thursday in college basketball action from McLeod Center. Here’s a Cal State Northridge vs Northern Iowa prediction. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best Cal State Northridge vs Northern Iowa pick. We will examine:
The Cal State Northridge Matadors recent form and player performance
The Northern Iowa Panthers recent form and player performance
Recent betting trends and streaks involving the Cal State Northridge Matadors
Recent betting trends and streaks involving the Northern Iowa Panthers
Recent betting trends in games played between Cal State Northridge and Northern Iowa
A summary that ties it all together and produces a favorable betting outcome for the Cal State Northridge vs Northern Iowa game
Cal State Northridge Matadors Betting Preview
Cal State Northridge was able to take a bit of a step forward last year following a 19-15 run in the 2024-25 campaign. The Matadors ultimately finished 22-11 overall with a 14-6 result in Big West games. That would put the team behind UC San Diego, UC Irvine and UC Riverside in the standings. Following a spotty 2-2 run to finish off the season (featuring losses to UC San Diego and at UC Riverside), the Matadors fell to UC Santa Barbara in the first game of the Big West Tournament. Cal State Northridge got an invitation to the NIT, where they’d fall to Stanford 87-70 on March 18 to finish off their season for good.
This year the Matadors have one game in the bank so far, opening up with a pretty routine matchup at home versus Nobel University. CSU Northridge didn’t have too many issues in that one, riding a 48-22 first half to a 99-58 victory. Leading the scoring was Josh O’Garro with 20 points and 14 rebounds, while Aleks Szymczyk doubled up as well with 15 points and 16 rebounds. Larry Hughes chipped in 13 points, and both Mahmoud Fofana (seven rebounds) and James Evans (four rebounds) had 10 points each.
Northern Iowa Panthers Betting Preview
Over on the Northern Iowa side, they’re coming off a pretty decent year. The Panthers improved upon their 19 wins from 2023-24, going 20-13 with a 14-6 run in the Missouri Valley Conference. Northern Iowa finished behind only Drake and Bradley in the standings with that result. The team stumbled a bit at the end of the regular season on a 1-2 run, then fell to Valparaiso in the conference tournament. The Panthers also got a bid in the NIT, where they fell in the first game versus SMU on March 19.
The Panthers will get head coach Ben Jacobson back for his 20th year at the helm in 2025-26. He’s got some key returning names on the bill this season, including Trey Campbell, Ben Schwieger and Max Weisbrod. Campbell was a third-team all-conference selection last year, and he’s made 96 starts over three seasons. Campbell has 40 games with double-digit scoring finishes as well. Junior RJ Taylor (7.5 PPG) is coming back as well following an early exit due to a ruptured Achilles tendon last year.
Cal State Northridge Matadors @ Northern Iowa Panthers Betting Trends: November 6, 2025
Why the Northern Iowa Panthers will win
Northern Iowa has won 17 of its last 18 night games at McLeod Center against non-AP-ranked opponents.
Cal State Northridge has lost four of its last five night games against non-Conference opponents.
Cal State Northridge has lost the first half in each of its last five games against non-Conference opponents.
Why the Cal State Northridge Matadors will win
Northern Iowa has lost four of its last five games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
Cal State Northridge vs Northern Iowa Prediction
I’ll probably lean toward CSU Northridge here, but you could make a case either way. The Matadors made quick work versus an overmatched Nobel U team in their opener, posting a 58-27 rebounding edge and 20 team assists. There’s plenty to clean up though, like the 15 turnovers or 22-of-31 (71 percent) from the line.
As for Northern Iowa, they’re set up pretty well for a good run in the conference this season. The Panthers boast some significant experience and depth, so they should be able to field a set of versatile lineups depending on the situation. The backcourt should be a strength, and if the front court can follow suit UNI will be a dangerous team.