Northern Illinois vs Ohio Prediction 1/20/2026 Today’s College Basketball Picks

In this article we will formulate a Northern Illinois vs Ohio prediction for this College Basketball game on Tuesday, January 20th at the Convocation Center in Athens, Ohio. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this College Basketball matchup.

Northern Illinois Huskies Betting Preview

The Northern Illinois Huskies are 6-11 (2-4) this season after they defeated UMass by a score of 70-68 in their last game. Northern Illinois led 40-33 at halftime, but they were outscored 35-30 in the second half in the win. The Huskies shot 36% from the field, 24% on three pointers, and 70% on free throws in the game. Makhai Valentine led NIU with 27 points and four rebounds, while Hassan Washington added 11 points and five rebounds in the win. 

Prior to that game, Northern Illinois lost to Eastern Michigan by a score of 77-59 and Toledo by a score of 75-61. The Huskies have scored 73.9 points per game with 37.0 rebounds and 13.4 assists per game, while they have allowed 77.5 points against per game this season. Makhai Valentine is averaging 14.3 points and 5.6 rebounds per game, while Dylan Ducommun is averaging 12.1 points and 3.5 assists per game for the Huskies. NIU is shooting 42.3% from the field, 67.0% on free throws, and 31.5% on three pointers this season. 

Ohio Bobcats Betting Preview

The Ohio Bobcats are 10-9 (4-3) this year after they lost to Ball State by a score of 76-71 in their last game. Ohio trailed 44-31 at halftime, but did score 40 points in the second half in the loss. The Bobcats shot 48% from the field, 25% on three pointers, and 79% on free throws in the game. Aidan Hadaway led Ohio with 22 points and seven rebounds, while Jackson Paveletzke added 22 points and four assists in the loss.

Prior to that game, Ohio lost to Toledo by a score of 101-85, but did beat Buffalo by a score of 91-80 before that. The Bobcats have scored 78.1 points per game with 34.4 rebounds and 13.7 assists per game, while they have allowed 77.2 points against per game this season. Jackson Paveletzke is averaging 17.4 points and 4.8 assists per game, while Aidan Hadaway is averaging 14.1 points and 7.6 rebounds per game for the Bobcats. Ohio is shooting 47.6% from the field, 68.3% on free throws, and 30.5% on three pointers this year. 

Why the Ohio Bobcats will win

• Northern Illinois has lost each of its last 12 Tuesday games against the Mid-American Conference.
• Ohio has won seven of its last eight home games against Northern Illinois at Convocation Center (OH).
• Ohio has won the first half in each of its last three night games at Convocation Center (OH) against non-AP-ranked opponents.

Why the Northern Illinois Huskies will win

• Ohio has lost five of its last six night games against the Mid-American Conference.

Total Points Facts

• Each of Ohio’s last 11 Tuesday night games against the Mid-American Conference have produced a total of 155+ points.
• Each of Northern Illinois’ last six games against non-AP-ranked opponents have produced a total of 150 or fewer points.

Northern Illinois vs Ohio Prediction 

Northern Illinois was able to snap their losing streak with a win over UMass last time out, but they have scored 61 points or fewer in two of their last three games. The Huskies are shooting 42% from the field and they have allowed 75+ points in four of their last five games. Ohio has dropped two games in a row and they have allowed at least 76 points in four straight games. The Bobcats are shooting 48% from the field and their offense is rolling, but they need to improve the defense. Take the over in this matchup.

David Racey's Pick: Over 153.5