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Illinois vs Northwestern Prediction 1/14/2026 Today’s College Basketball Picks
Pick details
| MATCHUP | Illinois Fighting Illini | Northwestern Wildcats |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 13-3 | 8-8 |
| Where | Welsh-Ryan Arena, Evanston, IL | |
| When | Wednesday, January 14, 2026 | |
| Time | 08:30 PM EST | |
| TV | BTN | |
Northwestern Wildcats Preview
Northwestern Wildcats have an 8-8 record this season and are tied for 17th place in the Big Ten Conference. They have a 6-2 home record and are coming off a 77-75 away loss against Rutgers. Their previous three games were a 76-66 away loss against Michigan State, an 84-78 home loss against Minnesota and an 80-60 home win against Howard.
Offensively, Northwestern averages 79.1 points per game, while allowing 71.2 points per game defensively. The Wildcats shoot with 48% from the field and grab 33.6 rebounds per game, while dishing out 18.4 assists per game. They average 4.1 blocks per game and 5.9 steals per game defensively.
Nick Martinelli leads Northwestern in scoring, with an average of 24.1 points per game, while shooting with 58.1% from the field and 78.4% from the free throw line, adding a team-high 6.8 rebounds. Jayden Reid adds a team-high 5.6 assists per game.
Illinois Fighting Illini Preview
Illinois Fighting Illini have a 13-3 record this season and are tied for 5th place in the Big Ten Conference. They have a 3-0 away record and are coming off a 75-69 away win against Iowa. Their previous three games were an 81-55 home win against Rutgers, a 73-65 away win against Penn State and a 90-55 home win against South Carolina Upstate.
Offensively, Illinois averages 86 points per game, while allowing 67.4 points per game defensively. The Fighting Illini shoot with 48% from the field and grab 42.3 rebounds per game, while dishing out 14.8 assists per game. They average 5.4 blocks per game and 3.8 steals per game defensively.
Keaton Wagler leads Illinois in scoring, with an average of 15.7 points per game, while shooting with 46.2% from the field and 83.1% from the free throw line, adding a team-high 3.8 assists. David Mirkovic is the team’s leading rebounder with 8.6 per game.
Illinois Fighting Illini @ Northwestern Wildcats Betting Trends: January 14, 2026
Why the Northwestern Wildcats will win
- The home team has won each of the last seven games between Illinois and Northwestern.
- Illinois has lost each of its last three games at Welsh-Ryan Arena.
- Northwestern has won the first half in 12 of its last 13 games at Welsh-Ryan Arena.
Why the Illinois Fighting Illini will win
- Illinois has won each of its last 15 games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
- Northwestern has lost each of its last eight games against AP-ranked opponents.
- Illinois has won the first half in each of its last 15 games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
Total Points Facts
- Thirty-one of Northwestern’s last 35 games against AP-ranked opponents at Welsh-Ryan Arena have produced a total of 149 or fewer points.
- Each of Illinois’ last five games have produced a total of 145 or fewer points.
Illinois vs Northwestern Prediction
In this Illinois vs Northwestern Prediction, Illinois is coming as -9.5 road favorites. Illinois has been the better team this season as they have just three defeats in 16 games played, compared to Northwestern’s 8, and have been very strong at home. They have been in excellent form lately, with a 7-1 record in their last 8 games and 6-2 against the spread, while Northwestern has been struggling lately, with a 3-7 record in its last 10 games and 1-3 against the spread. Illinois has been far better both on the offensive and the defensive end, with a +18.6 point differential this season, so I expect them to win this one comfortably on the road. Take Illinois and lay the points.
