Indiana State vs Northern Iowa Prediction 1/1/2026 Today’s College Basketball Picks

The Indiana State Sycamores and the Northern Iowa Panthers will meet on Thursday evening in a Missouri Valley Conference matchup at the McLeod Center in Cedar Falls, Iowa.

Indiana State Sycamores Betting Preview

The Indiana State Sycamores enter Thursday’s contest with an 8–6 win‑loss record. The Sycamores have compiled wins over Milwaukee, Southern Indiana, Eureka and the Milwaukee Panthers, while dropping games to Charlotte, Duke, Illinois State, Louisiana Tech and the Belmont Bruins. More recently, in the Indiana State Sycamores 85–65 loss to the Illinois State Redbirds earlier this month, Indiana State forward Ian Scott tallied 20 points (6 of 10 shooting from the field), 2 rebounds and 1 assist.

The Indiana State Sycamores average 72.6 points on 43.4 percent shooting from the field and 30.5 percent shooting from three-point range per game. Defensively, the Sycamores are allowing opponents 75.2 points per contest.

It should also be noted that Indiana State has been competitive at home this season. More specifically, the Sycamores are 6–1 record at the Hulman Center in 2025.

Senior forward Ian Scott leads the Indiana State Sycamores frontcourt averaging 13.9 points, 7.4 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.2 steals per game. Junior guard Camp Wagner adds perimeter scoring averaging 13.2 points per contest. Guard Sterling Young is averaging 9.6 points, 1.2 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game.

Northern Iowa Panthers Betting Preview

The Northern Iowa Panthers enter Thursday’s matchup with a 10–3 record. The Panthers have earned wins over Oakland, UC Irvine, South Dakota State and the Northern Illinois Huskies, while losing games to DePaul, Western Kentucky and the Colorado State Rams. More recently, in Northern Arizona’s 58-48 victory over Valparaiso two days ago, Northern Iowa forward Will Hornseth accumulated 16 points (7 of 12 shooting from the field), 7 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal and 2 blocks.

The Northern Iowa Panthers average 67.8 points on 45.1 percent shooting from the field and 34.6 percent from beyond the arc per game. Defensively, the Panthers are allowing opponents 59.3 points per contest which ranks first in the nation.

Senior guard Trey Campbell leads the Northern Iowa Panthers backcourt averaging 13.2 points, 3.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 2.4 steals per game. Junior forward Leon Bond III provides the Panthers with interior scoring and rebounding, contributing 13.1 points and 5.6 rebounds per contest. Sophomore forward Will Hornseth adds 9.4 points, 4.3 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 0.5 blocks per game.

Why the Indiana State Sycamores Will Win

• Enhanced motivation. The Indiana State Sycamores have lost two of the team’s last three games played in 2025.

• Quality frontcourt play. Senior forward Ian Scott leads the Indiana State Sycamores frontcourt averaging 13.9 points, 7.4 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.2 steals per game.

Why the Northern Iowa Panthers Will Win

• Home court edge. The Northern Iowa Panthers are 3-3 at home this season.

• Defensive consistency. Through 13 games played this season, the Northern Iowa Panthers are allowing opponents only 59.3 points per contest which ranks first in the nation. Conversely, the Indiana State Sycamores are allowing opponents 75.2 points per contest.

Indiana State Sycamores vs. Northern Iowa Panthers Prediction

This matchup features Indiana State’s high‑powered offense against a Northern Iowa team that has been one of the most consistent defensive units in the country this season. The Sycamores have the scoring depth to challenge Northern Iowa, but their defensive inconsistency and struggles on the road make this a difficult environment. Northern Iowa’s disciplined half‑court defense, rebounding advantage, and balanced scoring profile give them a clear path to controlling tempo and limiting Indiana State offense. With that said, I like the Northern Iowa Panthers to cover the 10.5 points in this game.

Hans Geevers's Pick: Northern Iowa -10.5