| MATCHUP | Purdue Boilermakers | Northwestern Wildcats |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 22-7 | 13-16 |
| Spread | -11.5 -105 | +11.5 -115 |
| Moneyline | -470 | +360 |
| Total | Over 146.5 (-115) | Under 146.5 (-105) |
| Where | Welsh-Ryan Arena, Evanston, IL | |
| When | Wednesday, March 4, 2026 | |
| Time | 08:30 PM EST | |
| TV | BTN | |
The Purdue Boilermakers and the Northwestern Wildcats meet Wednesday in college basketball action from Welsh-Ryan Arena in Evanston. Here’s a Purdue vs Northwestern prediction. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best Purdue vs Northwestern 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.
Purdue Boilermakers Betting Preview
The Boilermakers came out of the gate strong this year, winning 17 of their first 18 games overall. Purdue lost three straight to UCLA, Illinois and Indiana, then beat Maryland, Oregon, Nebraska and Iowa from there. It’s been a 1-3 run in the last four games though, with losses to Michigan, Michigan State and Ohio State (and a win over Indiana) for a 22-7 overall record this year.
In the Ohio State game on Sunday the Boilermakers were looking at a 36-31 deficit as they entered the second half. Purdue didn’t end up getting any closer than that on a 46-43 deficit and lost the game on the road in the end 82-74. Braden Smith was tops on the team with his 20 points and seven assists while Trey Kaufman-Renn added 19 points with nine boards.
Northwestern Wildcats Betting Preview
Over on the Northwestern side, they managed an 8-5 start to the year but could only win two games during a very ugly stretch between December 30 and February 18. Those two victories came courtesy of USC and Penn State. Since then however, the Wildcats have gotten it together with three straight wins over Maryland, Indiana and Oregon for a 13-16 record.
In the Oregon game on Saturday the Wildcats were sitting in the locker room looking up at a 36-29 deficit. Northwestern woke up on a 34-26 run the rest of the way however, leading to a comeback victory on their home court 63-62 as the game came to an end. Leading the team in scoring was Nick Martinelli with 22 points and 11 boards alongside seven assists and three steals.
Purdue Boilermakers @ Northwestern Wildcats Betting Trends: March 4, 2026
Why the Northwestern Wildcats will win
- The home team has won each of the last four games between Purdue and Northwestern.
- Purdue has lost three of its last four games.
Why the Purdue Boilermakers will win
- Purdue has won each of its last 16 Wednesday games as an AP-ranked team against a non-AP-ranked team.
- Northwestern has lost 15 of its last 16 games against AP-ranked opponents.
- Northwestern has lost the first half in four of its last five games against AP-ranked opponents.
Purdue vs Northwestern Prediction
I’ll lean toward Purdue. The Boilermakers need a good bounce-back game after a flat road loss to Ohio State last weekend, though. Purdue shot 44.4 percent from the field in that one but gave up 51.1 percent shooting on defense. The Boilermakers added a 33-27 rebounding deficit but did win the battle in the paint 32-24. Purdue has lost three of the last four games, giving up 76 or more points in each loss. That said, two of those losses were to ranked teams.
As for Northwestern, they powered out a nice comeback win over Oregon in their latest game. The Wildcats shot 44.6 percent from the field in that one while giving up 39 percent on defense. Northwestern added a 20-2 edge in fast break points and a 32-28 advantage on points in the paint. The Wildcats will have their hands full in this one however, provided the Boilermakers play to their capabilities.