Tag: Northwestern Wildcats betting odds line spread pick predictions best bets

March Madness: Northwestern vs. UConn odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Sunday’s Northwestern vs. UConn odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Northwestern Wildcats (22-11) and UConn Huskies (32-3) meet Sunday in 2nd-round action in the NCAA Tournament. Tip-off from the Barclays Center is slated for 7:45 p.m. ET (truTV). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Northwestern vs. UConn odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and best bets.

Northwestern bounced FAU in the 1st-round 77-65 in overtime, dismissing one of last season’s Final Four teams. Now, the Wildcats draw the defending champs.

Northwestern had won just once in 4 games prior to its slight upset of FAU in Round 1, cashing the Under (142.5) despite the extra session. The Under is 2-0 in the postseason for the Wildcats, while going 7-3 in the previous 10 outings.

The No. 1 overall seed UConn spanked 16-seed Stetson on Friday 91-52 as it covered as 27.5-point favorites. The Under (146) hung on, and is 3-1 in 4 postseason games for the Huskies. The total has also gone low in 5 of the past 6 games since March 6 at Marquette, allowing 60 or fewer points in 4 of the past 5 contests.

UConn has been hot against the number, too, going 3-1 against the spread (ATS) in 4 postseason outings, while going 7-1 ATS in the past 8 games, and 10-2 ATS across the previous 12 contests.

UConn was No. 1 in the final USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll of the regular season, while Northwestern was unranked.

Northwestern vs. UConn odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook’s; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:43 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Northwestern +800 (bet $100 to win $800) | UConn -1400 (bet $1,400 to win $100)
  • Against the spread: Northwestern +14.5 (-115) | UConn -14.5 (-105)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 135.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

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Northwestern vs. UConn and predictions

Prediction

UConn 76, Northwestern 57

Moneyline

UConn (-1400) will set you back 14 times your potential return, and while it should go without saying, there is never a reason to bet such a heavy favorite, either straight up or as part of a parlay.

AVOID, and look to the spread instead.

Against the spread

UCONN -14.5 (-105) is an awfully big number, but it’s worth playing lightly.

Northwestern +14.5 (-115) took advantage of sloppy play by FAU in the opening game, particularly in the 1st half. The Wildcats coaxed the Owls into 21 turnovers, while Northwestern was a plus-6 in the rebounding department. That’s simply not going to happen against a well disciplined and experienced Huskies team.

The Wildcats might hang for the 1st half of the 1st 20 minutes, but look for the defending champs to pull away in the 2nd half, and perhaps flirt with a 20-point win before the dust settles.

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Over/Under

UNDER 135.5 (-105) is a low number, but the Huskies just don’t allow a lot of open looks.

The Wildcats were hitting a lot of circus shots, particularly in the 2nd half and into overtime against FAU, but Northwestern is going to struggle against the suffocating defense of UConn. And the Huskies aren’t going to give up nearly the same amount of open looks from the perimeter which Northwestern saw on Friday.

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March Madness: Northwestern vs. FAU odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Friday’s Northwestern vs. FAU odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Northwestern Wildcats (21-11) and FAU Owls (25-8) meet Friday for an NCAA Tournament 1st-round game. Tip-off from the Barclays Center in Brooklyn is scheduled for 12:15 p.m. ET (CBS). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Northwestern vs. FAU odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and best bets.

Northwestern lost 70-61 to No. 24 Wisconsin in its 1st game of the Big Ten Tournament, and the Wildcats are just 1-3 straight up (SU) in the past 4 games. On a positive note, 9th-seeded Northwestern is 10-4 against the spread (ATS) across the past 14 games since Jan. 24. The Under has cashed in 4 of the past 6 outings.

FAU is still smarting after falling 74-73 to Temple in the AAC Tournament semifinals as a 14-point favorite. It didn’t cost the Owls a spot in the NCAA Tournament, but it likely hurt its seeding. However, FAU is an 8-seed, which is its highest-ever seed in 3 all-time trips to the tournament. The Owls advanced to the Final Four last season as a 9-seed.

This is just the 2nd-ever meeting between these teams on the college hardwood. Northwestern won 69-59 in Evanston, Ill., on Nov. 21, 2005.

– Rankings courtesy of the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll.

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Northwestern vs. FAU odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook’s; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 7:02 p.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Northwestern +135 (bet $100 to win $135) | FAU -165 (bet $165 to win $100)
  • Against the spread: Northwestern +3.5 (-115) | FAU -3.5 (-105)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 142.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Northwestern vs. FAU picks and predictions

Prediction

FAU 74, Northwestern 71

Moneyline

FAU (-165) is worth a play on the moneyline, if you want action on the game, but don’t want to fiddle around with the points.

Northwestern (+135) has dropped 3 of the past 4 games, although the past 2 are against teams in the NCAA Tournament field, including Michigan State, which has already advanced to the 2nd round.

Against the spread

NORTHWESTERN +3.5 (-115) is worth playing in what could be a tight 8 vs. 9 game in Brooklyn to open Friday’s play.

FAU -3.5 (-105) opened as a 1.5-point favorite at most shops, and the money has come in on the Owls quite frequently, as a trip to the Final Four last season really caught the attention of the public.

The Owls will be without Tre Carroll, a key reserve, due to an elbow injury. However, the Wildcats are also dealing with an injury, as C Matthew Nicholson is out indefinitely due to a leg ailment.

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Over/Under

OVER 142.5 (-110) is the lean, but go with a half-unit play at most.

The Wildcats averaged just 74.1 PPG this season, which was rather middle of the road, as far as the rest of the country is concerned. And Northwestern allows 69.0 PPG, which is pretty good defensively, although it allowed the opposition to hit 35.5% from behind the 3-point line, and that’s a concern.

The Owls cashed the Over in both games of the AAC Tournament, and the total has gone high in 4 straight outings. FAU averaged 83.0 PPG in the regular season, and it hits triples at a 36.2% rate.

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Penn State at Northwestern odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Penn State at Northwestern odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The No.7 Penn State Nittany Lions (4-0, 2-0 Big Ten) take a trip to Evanston, Ill., to play the Northwestern Wildcats (2-2, 1-1) on Saturday. Kickoff from Ryan Field is set for noon ET (Big Ten Network). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Penn State vs. Northwestern odds, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.

The Nittany Lions shut out the formerly No. 22-ranked Iowa Hawkeyes 31-0 last Saturday. QB Drew Allar overcame poor weather conditions to complete 25 of 37 passes for 166 yards and 4 TDs. Penn State’s defense continued to show why it is one of the best squads in the nation, forcing 6 fumbles while also getting 3 sacks and 5 tackles for loss. It is allowing just 8.8 points per game (5th of 133).

Northwestern pulled off an improbable comeback to secure a 37-34 OT win Saturday vs. the Minnesota Golden Gophers, winning as an 11-point underdog. The Wildcats trailed 31-10 with 12 minutes left in the 4th quarter before scoring 21 unanswered points, including the game-tying TD pass by QB Ben Bryant with 2 seconds left in the game. Minnesota scored a field goal 1st in OT, but Bryant struck again with a 25-yard TD pass on Northwestern’s 1st play of OT to win it.

Penn State is No. 7 in the US LBM Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports.

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Penn State at Northwestern odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 10:31 p.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Penn State -10000 (bet $10000 to win $100) | Northwestern +1600 (bet $100 to win $1600)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Penn State -27.5 (-105) | Northwestern +27.5 (-115)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 45.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

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Penn State at Northwestern picks and predictions

Prediction

Penn State 35, Northwestern 10

Moneyline

PASS.

Penn State will pick up the win here, but -10000 favorites are never worth the risk of betting on. Bet on the spread and/or total instead.

Against the spread

LEAN WILDCATS +27.5 (-115).

Northwestern has been competitive in past games vs. the Nittany Lions, even when outmatched. Penn State hasn’t beaten Northwestern by 27-plus points since 2002 when it won 49-0.

This play is only a lean because of how talented this Penn State team is and how dominant it has proven to be on the defensive side of the ball.

Over/Under

LEAN UNDER 45.5 (-105).

A matchup between the Nittany Lions and Wildcats hasn’t hit the Over number of 45.5 since 2012 when the Nittany Lions won 39-28, meaning thr Under has hit 4 straight in the series. The Nittany Lions defense is so good I expect the Wildcats to simply have too much trouble scoring to help push this game to hit the Over.

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March Madness: Northwestern vs. UCLA odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Northwestern Wildcats vs. UCLA odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The 7th-seeded Northwestern Wildcats (22-11) and No. 2 UCLA Bruins (30-5) will battle in a Saturday NCAA Tournament game in Sacramento. The West Region 2nd-round game at the Golden 1 Center will tip off at 8:40 p.m. ET (TNT). Let’s analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Northwestern vs. UCLA odds as we make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and best bets.

Northwestern advanced with a 75-67 win over Boise State Thursday. The 75 points marked the most in a Wildcats road or neutral-site game since Jan. 25 (78 vs. Nebraska). Northwestern committed just 7 turnovers Thursday; NU has averaged just 7.9 TO per game according to sports-reference.com.

UCLA is No. 6 in the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll.

The Bruins downed UNC Asheville 86-53 Thursday, and the win sealed the program’s 10th 30-win season. UCLA has allowed just 59.3 points per game in going 13-1 since Feb. 2 (sports-reference.com).

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Northwestern vs. UCLA odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:10 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Northwestern +280 (bet $100 to win $280) | UCLA -340 (bet $340 to win $100)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Northwestern +7.5 (-112) | UCLA -7.5 (-108)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 126.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Northwestern vs. UCLA picks and predictions

Prediction

UCLA 70, Northwestern 64

Moneyline

UCLA is a worth 75% favorite here, so there is not enough return on the underdog side and too much of a price on the favorite side. PASS.

Against the spread

UCLA figures to keep this one right around a 2-possession lead. No lean on this spread. PASS.

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Over/Under

The Over is 2-1 in NU’s last 3 games and 4-2 in UCLA’s last 6.

Some regression in defensive field-goal percentages is the forecast here, and in a slow-vs.-moderate battle, figure this total as being a touchdown too low.

The Bruins have been getting to the line more of late. Look for chances there and on putbacks to fuel some higher scoring here.

BACK THE OVER 126.5 (-110).

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March Madness: Boise State vs. Northwestern odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Thursday’s Boise State vs. Northwestern odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The 10th-seeded Boise State Broncos (24-9) and No. 7 Northwestern Wildcats (21-11) battle in a West Region first-round game of the NCAA Tournament. The contest at the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento will tip off at 7:35 p.m. ET (truTV). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Boise State vs. Northwestern odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.

Boise State sports an efficient defense and a good shooting touch from distance. The Broncos, after a 12-2 run in a 14-game stretch from Jan. 3-Feb. 22, stumbled at the finish line going 2-3 in their last 5. But even in that stretch, BSU is shooting 39.8% from 3-point range.

Northwestern, similarly, had a strong late-winter run that faded in recent weeks. The Wildcats went 8-2 from Jan. 23-Feb. 19, but are just 1-4 since. Still, NU went 12-8 to tie for 2nd-place in a powerful Big Ten Conference.

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Boise State vs. Northwestern odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Wednesday at 8:38 p.m. ET.

  • Moneyline: Boise State +100 (bet $100 to win $100) | Northwestern -130 (bet $130 to win $100)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Boise State +1.5 (-108) | Northwestern -1.5 (-112)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 128.5 (O: -108 | U: -112)

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Boise State vs. Northwestern picks and predictions

Prediction

Northwestern 67, Boise State 65

Moneyline

Three of Northwestern’s recent 4 losses were by margins of 4 points or less. Two of those losses were in overtime. Look for a bounce-back from a Wildcats team that could show some regression to form in shooting numbers — helping in both cases — on offense and defense.

Late-season improvements in offensive rebounding and perimeter defense figure to serve NU well in this spot. But look for a bit more value than what’s offered up here. PASS, but consider a line watch: Northwestern is worth some partial-unit action at -125 or better.

Against the spread

Better value can be found on the total and perhaps on the moneyline. PASS.

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Over/Under

The Over is 4-2 across Boise’s last 6 games.

Look for a decent number of 3s and shots near the rim in this battle. Not enough to  way past the overall slower-than-average pace but enough to tip this game into the 130s.

BACK THE OVER 128.5 (-108).

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Big Ten Tournament: Penn State vs. Northwestern odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Friday’s Penn State vs. Northwestern odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Penn State Nittany Lions (20-12) battle the No. 25 Northwestern Wildcats (21-10) in the quarterfinals of the Big Ten Tournament Friday. Tip from United Center is set for 6:30 p.m. ET (Big Ten Network). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Penn State vs. Northwestern odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.

Rankings courtesy of the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll.

Penn State beat Northwestern 68-65 on March 1, covering as a 4.5-point road underdog in their only meeting this season. The total (133) pushed.

The Nittany Lions beat the Illinois Fighting Illini 79-76 as a 3-point underdog in the 2nd round of the Big Ten Tournament Thursday. Penn State is 5-2-1 against the spread (ATS) in its last 8 games and 17-13-2 ATS this season.

The Wildcats are 19-12 ATS on the season. They capped off the regular season Sunday with a 65-53 win at Rutgers as 5.5-point underdogs. Northwestern finished the regular season on a 7-2 ATS run.

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Penn State vs. Northwestern odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 9 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Penn State +100 (bet $100 to win $100) | Northwestern -120 (bet $120 to win $100)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Penn State +1.5 (-115) | Northwestern -1.5 (-105)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 130.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Penn State vs. Northwestern picks and predictions

Prediction

Northwestern 69, Penn State 65

Moneyline

BET NORTHWESTERN (-120).

The Nittany Lions closed out the season with just a 5-5 straight-up record while Northwestern won 6 of its last 9 games and covered the spread in 7 of them.

With the 7th-highest 3-point shooting rate (47.9%), Penn State lives and dies by the long ball. I would bet against it living against a Northwestern team that has a solid defense and should be better equipped than it was when these programs squared off on March 1.

NW was 12-8 in conference play while Penn State was just 11-10. The Wildcats have been better all season so back NORTHWESTERN (-120).

Against the spread

PASS.

I’m not too fond of these odds and would rather play the moneyline and not worry about the point.

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Over/Under

LEAN OVER 130.5 (-110).

Penn State shoots the three at the 7th-highest rate in the nation and attempts the 9th-most total shots from deep per game. It is going to get its shots up which should help force at a fast pace. Penn State is 6-2-1 O/U in its last 9 outings.

While Northwestern scores just 67.7 points per game (276th), it should have to increase its pace in this one. Back the OVER 130.5 (-110) given the style of play the Nittany Lions will force.

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Northwestern at Rutgers odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Sunday’s Northwestern at Rutgers odds and lines, with expert college basketball picks, predictions and best bets.

The Northwestern Wildcats (20-10, 11-8 Big Ten) meet the Rutgers Scarlet Knights (18-12, 10-9) Sunday in Jersey Mike’s Arena at 7:30 p.m. ET (Big Ten Network). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Northwestern vs. Rutgers odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.

After an ugly last-second 75-74 loss at Minnesota after leading by 10 with 80 seconds left, Rutgers will return home to do battle with a Northwestern team which has exceeded all expectations this season.

This will be a defensive battle between 2 of the best defenses in the Big Ten as both look to head into the conference tournament with a win after both suffered losses in their previous outings.

While Rutgers was taking a terrible loss to last place Minnesota, Northwestern was losing to fellow bubble team Penn State 68-65 in overtime.  A win for either team would certainly go a long way in the eyes of the committee in a Big Ten Conference looking to get 9 teams into the NCAA Tournament. 

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Northwestern at Rutgers odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 8:45 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Northwestern +170 (bet $100 to win $170) | Rutgers -210 (bet $210 to win $100)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Northwestern +4.5 (-105) | Rutgers -4.5 (-115)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 126.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

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Northwestern at Rutgers picks and predictions

Prediction

Rutgers 59, Northwestern 56

Moneyline

PASS.

Coming off the loss to last-place Minnesota, Rutgers needs this win to make the Big Dance. Northwestern would obviously like this win, but it is comfortably in the tournament and this game does not affect that position.

Rutgers and its defense will do just enough against the Wildcats to pull off the much-needed victor, but -210 is too rich to wager.

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Against the spread

NORTHWESTERN -4.5 (-105).

With both defenses taking control of this game, a shootout is not likely to happen. With that said, either of these squads covering a large number is also not likely.

While 4.5 is not excessive, with the way both teams will look to slow down the game and take methodical shots, it is still a point too high for my liking. Northwestern has covered the spread in 6 of its last 8 games overall and have covered in 5 of their last 7 against a team with a winning record. This will be another cover for the Wildcats to finish the regular season.

Over/Under

UNDER 126.5 (-105)

Do not expect points to be plentiful for the Scarlet Knights or the Wildcats. Northwestern ranks 281st in the nation at 67.8 points per game while Rutgers allows 60.2 (9th). Rutgers’ offense averages just 68.7 points (262nd) while the Northwestern defense ranks 23rd at 62.6.

The Under has hit in 7 of the Wildcats last 9 overall games and has also hit in 5 of the Wildcats last 8 games following an ATS loss.

Rutgers has played Under the total in 13 of its last 16 against a team with a win percentage over .600 and have also gone Under in 6 of 8 overall.

This will be a typical Big Ten technical, grind it out game. Neither team will be explosive and the game will remain Under the low total of 126.5.

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Northwestern at Maryland odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Sunday’s Northwestern at Maryland odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The No. 22 Northwestern Wildcats (20-8, 11-6 Big Ten) battle the Maryland Terrapins (19-9, 10-7) on Sunday. Tip from XFINITY Center is scheduled for noom ET (Big Ten Network). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Northwestern vs. Maryland odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.

Rankings courtesy of the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll.

Northwestern fell to Illinois 66-62 on Thursday, but covered as 7.5-point road underdogs. The loss snapped a 5-game winning streak, but NU has covered the spread in 6 straight games. The Wildcats are 8-2 against the spread (ATS) in their last 10 games to improve to 18-10 ATS on the season.

Maryland destroyed Minnesota 88-70 on Wednesday to cover as 15-point home favorites. It is 7-3 straight up and ATS in its last 10 games. Like NU,  the Terrapins are 18-10 ATS this season.

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Northwestern at Maryland odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:24 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Northwestern +220 (bet $100 to win $220) | Maryland -270 (bet $270 to win $100)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Northwestern +6.5 (-115) | Maryland -6.5 (-105)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 130.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)

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Northwestern at Maryland picks and predictions

Prediction

Maryland 64, Northwestern 61

Moneyline

PASS.

The moneyline odds do not present any value in this matchup — unless you think Northwestern will win.

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Against the spread

LEAN NORTHWESTERN +6.5 (-115).

The Wildcats are 6-0 ATS in their last 6 games including 3-0 ATS on the road. They are also 7-2 ATS on the road this season.

The underdog is 4-0 ATS in the last 4 meetings between these 2 programs and the road team is 4-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings.

Over/Under

BET UNDER 130.5 (-115).

Northwestern’s defense ranks 18th-best in the nation (62 points per game) and Maryland ranks 26th (63 PPG). With both teams haveing strong defenses, points will be at a premium in this matchup.

The Under is 7-0 in Northwestern’s last 7 games and 11-2 in Maryland’s last 13 games following an outright win. Both teams also have an O/U record of 10-18 this season showcasing their defensive abilities.

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Northwestern at Illinois odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Thursday’s Northwestern Wildcats at Illinois odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The No. 22 Northwestern Wildcats (20-7, 11-5 Big Ten) and Illinois Fighting Illini (18-9, 9-7) resume their rivalry Thursday in Champaign. Tip-off at the State Farm Center is at 9 p.m. ET (Big Ten Network). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Northwestern vs. Illinois odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.

Northwestern has won 5 straight games and 8 of its last 9. The Wildcats defeated Illinois 73-60 as 3.5-point home underdogs on Jan. 4 (finishing as a plus-8 in turnovers that game) and are looking for their 1st 2-game season sweep of the Illini since 1965-66.

After back-to-back road losses at Penn State and Indiana, the Fighting Illini returned home to beat Minnesota 78-69 on Monday, but did not cover as 13.5-point favorites. Illinois is 13-2 on its home floor. UI had won 8 in a row against NU until the Jan. 4 loss.

Rankings courtesy the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll.

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Northwestern at Illinois odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Wednesday at 11:51 p.m. ET.

  • Moneyline: Off the board
  • Against the spread (ATS): Northwestern +5.5 (-115) | Illinois -5.5 (-105)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 136.5 (O: -105 | U: -115 )

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Northwestern at Illinois picks and predictions

Prediction

Illinois 72, Northwestern 65

Moneyline

Not available.

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Against the spread

The Fighting Illini are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games against winning teams.

UI is susceptible to turnovers leading to some edge for the visitors, but give the Illini an edge in cranking out the better looks around the rim and crashing the boards to create extra chances.

This contest marks NU’s first on the road after 3 straight home games.

BACK THE ILLINI -5.5 (-105).

Over/Under

There are plenty of scoring spiral factors at work here: NU points off turnovers. UI 2nd-chance points and free throws. Both sides shoot a lot of 3s; either could run into a few in short order.

BACK THE OVER 136.5 (-105).

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Indiana at Northwestern odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Wednesday’s Indiana at Northwestern odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The No. 15 Indiana Hoosiers (18-7, 9-5 Big Ten) battle the Northwestern Wildcats (18-7, 9-5) Wednesday. Tip from Welsh-Ryan Arena is set for 9 p.m. ET (BTN). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Indiana vs. Northwestern odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.

The Hoosiers took down Michigan 62-61 Saturday to cover as 3-point road underdogs. They have now won 3 in a row and are 8-1 in their last 9 games. In that span, Indiana is 7-2 against the spread (ATS) to improve to 13-11-1 ATS on the season.

Northwestern upset Purdue 64-58 Sunday to cover as 5-point home underdogs. It has now won 3 games in a row and is 6-2 in its last 8 games. In that span, the Wildcats are 6-2 ATS to improve to 15-10 ATS this season.

Northwestern edged past Indiana 84-83 to cover as 6.5-point road underdogs in the first matchup between these 2 this season in early January.

Rankings courtesy of the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll.

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Indiana at Northwestern odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:35 p.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Indiana -150 (bet $150 to win $100) | Northwestern +125 (bet $100 to win $125)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Indiana -2.5 (-115) | Northwestern +2.5 (-105)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 134.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)

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Indiana at Northwestern picks and predictions

Prediction

Northwestern 67, Indiana 63

Moneyline

BET NORTHWESTERN +125.

Northwestern is coming off a massive win against No. 1 ranked Purdue Sunday and is making a solid case for why it belongs in the top 25. It has played its best basketball on its home court with an 11-4 home record while Indiana has struggled on the road this season with just a 4-5 road record.

While this game will be a close battle, the Wildcats will be riding the momentum of their recent victories and home crowd to propel them to victory.

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Against the spread

PASS.

While the Wildcats would cover the spread with a victory, there is more money to be played on the moneyline.

If you are not as confident in a Northwestern victory, the spread is worth a play. It is 6-2 ATS in its last 8 games overall and 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games following an outright victory. The underdog is also 3-1-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings between these programs.

Over/Under

LEAN UNDER 134.5 (-115).

The Under is 4-0 in the Hoosiers’ last 4 games following a ATS win, 3-0-1 in their last 5 road games and 4-1 in their last 5 games following a straight-up win. The Under is also 4-2 in their last 6 games.

For Northwestern, the Under is 4-0 in its last 5 games, and the Under is 16-6 in its last 22 home games.

Expect Northwestern to try and control the possession, which will put points at a premium.

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