| MATCHUP | Northwestern Wildcats | Nebraska Cornhuskers |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 10-15 | 21-3 |
| Spread | +13.5 -118 | -13.5 -102 |
| Moneyline | +800 | -1350 |
| Total | Over 143.5 (-112) | Under 143.5 (-108) |
| Where | Pinnacle Bank Arena, Lincoln, NE | |
| When | Saturday, February 14, 2026 | |
| Time | 01:00 PM EST | |
| TV | BTN | |
The Northwestern Wildcats and the Nebraska Cornhuskers meet Saturday in college basketball action from Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln. Here’s a Northwestern vs Nebraska prediction. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best Northwestern vs Nebraska pick. We will examine the recent form and player performances for both teams, as well as the recent betting trends and streaks pertaining to this matchup. As we conclude, we will tie it all together with a summary that produces a sensible pick for a favorable betting outcome in this game.
Northwestern Wildcats Betting Preview
Northwestern managed to win their first four games this year, then fell versus Virginia before another win over South Carolina. After that was a 3-9 run over the next 12 games. The only victories were versus Jackson State, Valparaiso and Howard. a 2-4 stretch came in the next six with wins over USC and Penn State alongside losses to UCLA, Washington, Iowa and Illinois.
On Wednesday versus Michigan, the Wildcats stunned the Wolverines in the first half on a 44-35 advantage. Northwestern was outscored 52-31 the rest of the way however, leading to an 87-75 loss at home in the end. Jayden Reid led the team on 20 points with three assists and Nick Martinelli had 18 points with eight rebounds and two assists in 39 minutes of work.
Nebraska Cornhuskers Betting Preview
Over on the Nebraska side, they managed to win each of their opening 20 games. In that stretch the Cornhuskers dispatched West Georgia, FIU, MD Eastern Shore, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Kansas State, Winthrop, USC Upstate, Creighton, Wisconsin, Illinois, North Dakota, New Hampshire, Michigan State, Ohio State, Indiana, Oregon, Northwestern, Washington and Minnesota. Next came losses to Michigan, Illinois and Purdue in the ensuing four outings, however.
In the Tuesday game versus Purdue, the Cornhuskers were in trouble at halftime with a 40-24 deficit. Nebraska came roaring back from there however, hitting a 44-28 run to force overtime. Following the extra period however, the Cornhuskers were left with a tough loss at home 80-77 in the end. Rienk Mast was the leading team scorer on 18 points with seven assists and six boards in the defeat.
Northwestern Wildcats @ Nebraska Cornhuskers Betting Trends: February 14, 2026
Why the Nebraska Cornhuskers will win
- Nebraska has won each of its last 11 games at Pinnacle Bank Arena against non-AP-ranked opponents.
- Northwestern has lost each of its last nine day games against AP-ranked opponents.
- Northwestern has lost the first half in 12 of its last 15 day games against AP-ranked opponents.
Why the Northwestern Wildcats will win
- Northwestern has won four of its last five day games at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
- Nebraska has lost each of its last three home day games against Conference opponents.
- Nebraska has lost the first half in three of its last four home day games against the Big Ten Conference.
Northwestern vs Nebraska Prediction
I’ll stay with Nebraska. The Cornhuskers need to get their mojo back after three losses in the last four games and this is a great spot to do it. Nebraska shot a pretty solid 44.1 percent from the field in their overtime loss to Purdue, but did miss a few free throws (13-of-20 for 65 percent) and got blasted on the boards 52-33. The 14 turnovers didn’t help either. The good news is that the Cornhuskers are still scoring well, with a nice 69 or more points in 10 straight outings.
These teams last saw each other back on January 17 in a road victory 77-58 for the Cornhuskers. In that one Nebraska shot 50.9 percent from the field with 80 percent (12-of-15) at the line and just five turnovers. I’d like to see the Cornhuskers post another dominant shooting effort here; if that happens they’ve certainly got a great shot at a potential home cover versus an overmatched Wildcats squad.