| MATCHUP | Ohio Bobcats | Northern Illinois Huskies |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 14-13 | 9-16 |
| Spread | -6.5 -112 | +6.5 -108 |
| Moneyline | -278 | +225 |
| Total | Over 150.5 (-110) | Under 150.5 (-110) |
| Where | NIU Convocation Center, Dekalb, IL | |
| When | Saturday, February 21, 2026 | |
| Time | 03:00 PM EST | |
| TV | ESPN+ | |
The Ohio Bobcats and the Northern Illinois Huskies meet Saturday in college basketball action from NIU Convocation Center in DeKalb. Here’s an Ohio vs Northern Illinois prediction. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best Ohio vs NIU 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.
Ohio Bobcats Betting Preview
The Bobcats limped to an ugly 1-6 start over their first seven games this year. Ohio found their groove after that however, going a nice 9-1 over the next 10 games with a lone loss to Bowling Green. The next nine games were a 3-6 run however, featuring losses to Toledo, Ball State, Akron, Kent State, Old Dominion and Miami-Ohio. That would give the Bobcats a 13-13 run in 26 games.
On Tuesday in game 27 versus Ball State, the Bobcats jumped out to a big lead in the first half 32-15. Ohio was outscored by five points the rest of the way on a 42-37 run but still held on with plenty of space in a 69-57 victory on their home floor. Aidan Hadaway had 18 points with eight boards and two assists, while Jackson Paveletzke had 18 points with six assists and four rebounds.
Northern Illinois Huskies Betting Preview
Over on the Northern Illinois side, they limped to a 5-7 run over their first dozen outings. The Huskies lost to Buffalo, Kent State, Toledo, Eastern Michigan, Ohio and Ball State in the next seven games. A 2-3 run came next, featuring losses to Miami-Ohio, Bowling Green and Central Michigan. In the first 24 games of the year that would give NIU an 8-16 record in the books.
Matched up against Buffalo on Tuesday the Huskies were down 35-29 going into the second half. Northern Illinois managed to claw back from there on a 43-35 run and eventually took the comeback victory on the road 72-70. Tops in scoring was Gianni Cobb with 23 points, three rebounds and three assists. Dylan Ducommun doubled up on 14 points with 10 assists and two rebounds as well.
Ohio Bobcats @ Northern Illinois Huskies Betting Trends: February 21, 2026
Why the Northern Illinois Huskies will win
- The home team has won 10 of Ohio’s last 12 games.
- Ohio has lost five of its last six road games following a home win.
Why the Ohio Bobcats will win
- Ohio has won eight of its last nine games against Northern Illinois.
- Northern Illinois has lost 21 of its last 25 day games.
- Ohio has won the first half in three of its last four games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
Ohio vs Northern Illinois Prediction
I’ll take a stab on NIU but I’m probably not touching this one. The Huskies had a rocky first half in their win over Buffalo on the road this week, but to their credit NIU was able to power back for a victory. Northern Illinois shot a nice 48 percent from the field but did have 14 turnovers and a 32-22 deficit in the paint. The Huskies had lost their previous two games though, scoring fewer than 53 points in both of those.
Back on January 20 in the last meeting between these two teams, Northern Illinois took an 80-77 loss on the road. In that game the Huskies shot a nice 45.3 percent from the field but also gave up 50 percent on the other side. Northern Illinois was good on the boards but also posted a 30-22 deficit in the paint and had 16 turnovers. This home rematch is going to take some significant improvement.