Northwestern vs Wisconsin Prediction 12/3/2025 Today’s College Basketball Picks

The Wisconsin Badgers and the Northwestern Wildcats will meet on Wednesday evening in a Big Ten contest at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin.

Wisconsin Badgers Betting Preview

The Wisconsin Badgers enter Wednesday night’s matchup with a 5–2 win-loss record. Wisconsin has compiled wins over Campbell, Northern Illinois, Ball State, SIU Edwardsville and Providence, while dropping games to BYU and the TCU Horned Frogs. In the Wisconsin Badgers dominant 104–83 win over the Providence Friars four days ago, guard Nick Boyd amassed 36 points on 15 of 25 shooting from the field and 4 of 9 shooting from beyond the arc.

The Badgers average 87.1 points per game on 45.3 percent shooting from the field and 33 percent shooting from three‑point range. Defensively, the Wisconsin Badgers allow opponents 73.6 points on 44.3 percent shooting from the field per game.

Senior guard Nick Boyd has been a solid contributor for the Badgers, averaging 21 points, 2.9 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 1.6 steals per game. Junior John Blackwell is averaging 19 points, 5.4 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 1.4 steals per contest. Junior Nolan Winter is averaging 13.3 points, 10.1 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 1.4 blocks per game.

Northwestern Wildcats Preview

The Northwestern Wildcats enter tomorrow’s game with a 5–2 record. Northwestern has compiled wins over Mercyhurst, Boston University, Cleveland State, DePaul, and South Carolina, while losing games to Virginia and Oklahoma State. In the Wildcats 86–81 loss to the Oklahoma State Cowboys last week, senior forward Nick Martinelli tallied 28 points, 10 rebounds, 2 assists and 1 steal.

The Wildcats average 82.1 points per game on 51.5 percent shooting (20th in nation). The Northwestern Wildcats are allowing opponents 69.6 points on 38.8 percent shooting from the field per game. The Wildcats ability to slow opponent pace and force contested shots has been the team’s strength.

Senior Nick Martinelli leads the Wildcats averaging 20.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 0.6 steals per game. Junior forward Arrinten Page is averaging 15 points, 7 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1 steal a contest. Junior guard Jayden Reid leads the backcourt averaging 12.9 points, 1.4 rebounds and 6.1 assists per game.

Why the Wisconsin Badgers Will Win

•            High powered offense. Through 7 games played this season, the Wisconsin Badgers average 87.1 points per game.

•            Frontcourt balance. Winter and Rapp provide rebounding and interior scoring.

•            Home court dominance. Wisconsin is unbeaten at the Kohl Center this season.

Why the Northwestern Wildcats Will Win

•            Senior Nick Martinelli is averaging 20.6 points, 6.6 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game.

•            Defensive consistency. The Wildcats are allowing allow just 69.6 points per game.

Wisconsin vs. Northwestern Prediction

This matchup is a stylistic clash as Wisconsin wants to dictate pace with Boyd and Blackwell pushing tempo, while Northwestern thrives in grinding possessions through Martinelli and Reid. The Badgers offensive ceiling is high (scored over 100 points twice this season), but their defensive floor is shaky. Against BYU and TCU, Wisconsin’s inability to contain dribble penetration and defend the perimeter cost them. That’s the exact area Northwestern will test with Reid’s playmaking and Martinelli’s versatility.

The Wildcats defense has been superior at times, holding opponents under 69.6 points per game. They force teams into long possessions and thrive on limiting second‑chance looks. If Martinelli can control the glass and Page can neutralize Winter inside, Northwestern has the blueprint to frustrate Wisconsin’s rhythm.

Expect the first half to be tight, with Northwestern’s defense slowing Wisconsin’s early runs. But over 40 minutes, the Badgers’ depth and home‑court advantage should tilt the balance. Boyd’s scoring, combined with Winter’s rebounding, gives Wisconsin multiple ways to attack. Northwestern will hang around with Martinelli’s production, but if their perimeter shooting falters, Wisconsin’s offensive firepower will eventually create separation. I am backing the Wisconsin Badgers to cover the 8.5 points in this game.

Hans Geevers's Pick: Wisconsin -8.5