| MATCHUP | Northern Iowa Panthers | Indiana State Sycamores |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 17-10 | 10-17 |
| Spread | -4.5 -108 | +4.5 -112 |
| Moneyline | -205 | +170 |
| Total | Over 136.5 (-112) | Under 136.5 (-108) |
| Where | Hulman Center, Terre Haute, IN | |
| When | Wednesday, February 18, 2026 | |
| Time | 07:00 PM EST | |
| TV | ESPN+ | |
Northern Iowa Panthers and Indiana State Sycamores will meet on Wednesday night in a Missouri Valley Conference matchup at the Hulman Center in Terre Haute, Indiana.
Indiana State Sycamores Betting Preview
The Indiana State Sycamores enter Wednesday’s contest with a 10–17 record, including a 3-13 mark in conference play and a 7-6 record at home. 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.
In the Indiana State Sycamores 85–65 loss to the Illinois State Redbirds earlier this season, Indiana State forward Ian Scott amassed 20 points (6 of 10 shooting from the field), 2 rebounds and 1 assist.
The Indiana State Sycamores average 73 points on 45.9 percent shooting from the field and 31.1 percent shooting from three-point range per game. Shifting our attention to the defensive side of the basketball, the Sycamores are allowing opponents 75.7 points per contest which ranks a dreadful 209th in the country.
It should also be noted that these two teams met earlier this season. Who won? Last month, the Northern Iowa Panthers defeated the Indiana State Sycamores 75-66.
Senior forward Ian Scott leads the Indiana State Sycamores averaging 13.6 points, 6.5 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.1 steals per game. Junior guard Camp Wagner adds additional guard depth averaging 11.7 points, 4.4 rebounds and 1.8 assists per contest. Guard Sterling Young is averaging 10.2 points, 1.5 rebounds and 2 assists per game.
Northern Iowa Panthers Betting Preview
The Northern Iowa Panthers arrive at Wednesday’s contest with a 17-10 record, including an 9-7 record in conference play and a 4-6 record on the road. 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.
Earlier this season, in Northern Arizona’s 58-48 win over Valparaiso, Northern Iowa forward Will Hornseth compiled 16 points (7 of 12 shooting from the field), 7 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal and 2 blocks showcasing his ability to lead the Northern Iowa frontcourt.
The Northern Iowa Panthers average 68 points on 45.8 percent shooting from the field and 33 percent from three-point range per game. Defensively, the Panthers are allowing opponents 62.2 points per contest which ranks second in the nation.
Senior guard Trey Campbell leads the Northern Iowa Panthers backcourt averaging 13.4 points, 3.5 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 1.7 steals per game. Junior forward Leon Bond III provides the Panthers with interior scoring and rebounding contributing 12 points, 5.4 rebounds and 1 steal per contest.
Why the Indiana State Sycamores Will Win
• Quality frontcourt play. Senior forward Ian Scott leads the Indiana State Sycamores frontcourt averaging 13.6 points, 6.5 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.1 steals per game.
• Home court edge. The Indiana State Sycamores are 7–6 at home this season.
Why the Northern Iowa Panthers Will Win
• Defensive consistency. The Northern Iowa Panthers are allowing opponents 62.2 points per contest which ranks second in the nation.
• Efficient guard play. Senior guard Trey Campbell leads the Northern Iowa Panthers backcourt averaging 13.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 1.8 steals per game.
Northern Iowa Panthers vs. Indiana State Sycamores Prediction
In my view, this matchup features two teams trending toward a slower, more defensive style than the market number suggests. Northern Iowa allows just 61.2 points per game, one of the best defensive marks in the nation. Additionally, the Panthers ability to control tempo and overall pace has consistently pushed opponents into low‑possession games. Indiana State can score, but the Sycamores recent offensive inconsistency has shown up against stronger defensive units. With both teams trending so well defensively, I think the total is the way to go in this one rather that a side. With that said, I am backing under 136.5 points in this matchup.