Northwestern vs Purdue Prediction College Basketball Picks 1/5/25

In this article, we will formulate a Northwestern vs Purdue prediction for this College Basketball game on Sunday, January 5th at Mackey Arena in West Lafayette, Indiana. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this College Basketball matchup.

Northwestern Wildcats Betting Preview

The Northwestern Wildcats are 10-4 (1-2) this season after they lost to Penn State by a score of 84-80 in their last game. Northwestern trailed 37-34 at halftime, but they did score 46 points in the second half in the loss. The Wildcats shot 45.9% from the field, 27.3% on three-pointers, and 85.7% on free throws in the game. Brooks Barnhizer led Northwestern with 20 points and 10 rebounds, while Nick Martinelli added 18 points and five rebounds in the game. 

Prior to that loss, the Wildcats defeated Northeastern by a score of 85-60 and DePaul by a score of 84-64. Northwestern has won four of their last five games and they also have a win over Illinois and a loss against Iowa to start Big Ten play. Northwestern has scored 75 points per game and they have allowed 65.3 points per game, while also averaging 35.4 rebounds and 15.1 assists per game this season. Brooks Barnhizer is averaging 20.1 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game, while Nick Martinelli is averaging 20.1 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game this season. Northwestern is shooting 45.3% from the field, 72.9% on free throws, and 32.9% on three-pointers this year. 

Purdue Boilermakers Betting Preview

The Purdue Boilermakers are 10-4 (2-1) this year after they defeated Minnesota by a score of 81-61 in their last game. Purdue led 28-27 at the half and they scored 53 points in the second half to pull away with the win. The Boilermakers shot 50% from the field, 44% on three-pointers, and 75% on free throws in the game. Fletcher Loyer led Purdue with 24 points and three assists, while Braden Smith added 20 points and 10 assists in the game. 

Prior to that win, the Boilermakers defeated Toledo by a score of 83-64 but did lose to Auburn by a score of 87-69 before that. Purdue has split their last four games and they have a win over Maryland and a loss to Penn State to open conference play. Purdue has scored 77.3 points per game and they have allowed 70.4 points per game, while also averaging 33.1 rebounds and 17.5 assists per game this season. Trey Kaufman-Renn is averaging 18.2 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game, while Braden Smith is averaging 14.9 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 8.7 assists per game this year. Purdue is shooting 48.6% from the field, 72.1% on free throws, and 39.6% on three-pointers this season. 

Why Purdue will beat Northwestern

• Purdue has won each of its last 24 games at Mackey Arena.
• Northwestern has lost each of its last four day games at Mackey Arena.
• Northwestern has lost the first half in each of its last four games at Mackey Arena.

Northwestern vs Purdue Prediction 

Purdue comes into this matchup looking for their third win in a row and they will be at home for this contest. The Boilermakers do have four losses on the season, but three of them came against ranked teams and the fourth was on the road in conference play. Purdue is shooting nearly 49% from the field and while they don’t have the best defensive numbers this year, they have allowed 64 and 61 points in their last two. Northwestern is coming off of a loss against Penn State in their last game, but they also have losses against Dayton, Butler, and Iowa. The Wildcats are shooting 45.3% from the field and they have scored at least 80 points in three straight. Northwestern is going to be a solid team to back at home, but I don’t love them on the road, especially against a team like Purdue. Take the Boilermakers here.