Northwestern Wildcats betting odds line spread pick predictions best bets – Page 3

Illinois at Northwestern odds, picks and predictions

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

The No. 24 Illinois Fighting Illini (9-4, 0-2 Big Ten) meet the Northwestern Wildcats (10-3, 1-1) Wednesday at Welsh-Ryan Arena in Evanston, Ill. Tip-off is scheduled for 9 p.m. ET (Big Ten Network). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Illinois vs. Northwestern odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.

Rankings courtesy of the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll.

The Fighting Illini bounced back from a 93-71 shellacking against Missouri in St. Louis on Dec. 22 by posting an 85-52 win against Bethune-Cookman in a tune-up game Thursday. The Under has cashed in 3 of the past 4 games for Illinois.

The Wildcats were hammered by Ohio State on New Year’s Day by a 73-57 score, not even coming close to covering a 2.5-point number as ‘dogs. The loss snapped a 5-game win streak by Northwestern. The Under is 4-1 in the past 5 games overall.

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Illinois 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 2:05 p.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Illinois -180 (bet $180 to win $100) | Northwestern +140 (bet $100 to win $140)
Against the spread (ATS): Illinois -3.5 (-115) | Northwestern +3.5 (-105)
Over/Under (O/U): 134.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Illinois at Northwestern picks and predictions

Prediction

Illinois 68, Northwestern 63

Moneyline

ILLINOIS (-180) is a solid play on the moneyline if you don’t want to mess around with laying the points in a potentially close and low-scoring game, although it is at my personal limit.

The Illini were the much better team last season than the Wildcats, and Illinois did sweep Northwestern, but the margin of victory was just an average of 5.0 points per game. Illinois has won 8 straight meetings in the series dating back to Jan. 6, 2019, too.

Against the spread

ILLINOIS -3.5 (-115) is the lean here, although you can expect a good sweat. Go lightly, and play just a half-unit wager at most.

While the Illini has won 8 in a row in the series, Northwestern has covered 3 in a row in the series. The good news for potential Illini backers is that Illinois is 4-1 ATS in the past 5 trips to Evanston.

Over/Under

UNDER 132.5 (-105) is the lean here, but like the line, go lightly.

The Under is a perfect 7-for-7 in the previous 7 for the Illini against teams with a winning overall record, and it’s 5-2 in their past 7 games overall.

The Under is 13-3 in the past 16 at Welsh-Ryan the Northwestern, while going 4-1 in the past 5 games overall. The Under is 4-0 in the past 4 against teams with a winning record, too.

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Ohio State at Northwestern odds, picks and predictions

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

The Ohio State Buckeyes (9-3, 1-0 Big Ten) travel to the shores of Lake Michigan to take on the Northwestern Wildcats (10-2, 1-0) Sunday at 7:30 p.m. ET (Big Ten Network). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Ohio State vs. Northwestern odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.

Ohio State has 1 of the most prolific offenses in the nation (81.7 points per game) and ranks 1st in the Big Ten in offense. Brice Sensabaugh leads the team with 15.8 PPG despite coming off the bench in most games and only averaging 21 minutes. He is 1 of 4 Buckeyes averaging 10-plus points. While Ohio State is explosive, it is also balanced, and can score even when 1 of its shooters is having an off night.

Northwestern, a proverbial doormat in the Big Ten, is having a good start to its season. Led by Chase Audige with 15.3 PPG, the Wildcats will look to slow down the Buckeyes, who are a fringe top 25 team in the coach’s poll, with their elite defense, which ranks 7th in the nation allowing just 55.7 PPG.

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Ohio State 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 10:48 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Ohio State -140 (bet $140 to win $100) | Northwestern +110 (bet $100 to win $110)
Against the spread (ATS): Ohio State -2.5 (+100) | Northwestern +2.5 (-120)
Over/Under (O/U): 136.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Ohio State at Northwestern picks and predictions

Prediction

Northwestern 74, Ohio State 70

Moneyline

BET NORTHWESTERN +110.

The last 2 games in this series have both gone Over the total and been Ohio State wins. This is not the same Northwestern team and playing this game in Evanston will make a difference.

Ohio State comes into this game after crushing its last 2 opponents and scoring over 90 points in both games. While this is impressive, the competition of Maine and Alabama A&M leaves a lot to be desired. Ohio State will not be able to score to its normal level in this game against a tough defense and Northwestern will win the game.

Against the spread

PASS.

Northwestern is 7-1 at home this season. This game will make it 8-1 so I will take the moneyline on the Wildcats rather than the spread.

Over/Under

BET OVER 136.5 (-110).

Ohio State averages 81.7 points per game on the season. While Northwestern will attempt to slow the game down, it will not do so enough to get this game to go Under the total.

This series has been a high-scoring affair in recent seasons with both last 2 meetings going Over 150 points. This game should be the same and I see this game getting well over the total so OVER 136.5 (-110) is my favorite play in this game.

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Northwestern at Michigan State odds, picks and predictions

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

The Northwestern Wildcats (5-2) travel to East Lansing to take on the No. 20 Michigan State Spartans (5-3) Sunday at 7 p.m. ET (Big Ten Network). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Northwestern at Michigan State odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.

Rankings courtesy of USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll

Both teams are coming off losses in the Big Ten-ACC showdown. Northwestern was blasted 87-58 by Pitt on Monday as a 7.5-point favorite while Michigan State lost 70-52 to Notre Dame Wednesday as a half-point favorite.

The Spartans bring their undefeated 2-0 home record into this game while this is only the 2nd true road game for the Wildcats. As always, MSU has played 1 of the most difficult schedules in the nation so far. Its 3 losses early in the season may not look good, but it will serve them well late in the season when it’s crunch time. Expect Sunday’s game to be a low-scoring slog in East Lansing and the more physical team will emerge.

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Northwestern at Michigan State 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): Northwestern +200 (bet $100 to win $200) | Michigan State -280 (bet $280 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Northwestern +5.5 (-105) | Michigan State -5.5 (-115)
Over/Under (O/U): 127.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Northwestern at Michigan State picks and predictions

Prediction

Michigan State 67, Northwestern 59

Moneyline

PASS.

Michigan State is undefeated at home. and the more battle-tested team. The games against Kentucky, Gonzaga and even a down Villanova team will lead to Michigan winning this game. But -280 is a bit much for a straight wager. But it makes a good addition to a parlay.

Against the spread

BET MICHIGAN STATE -5.5 (-115).

A slow-paced grind it out game will occur Sunday. The game will be close, but when it comes down to crunch time, Northwestern will be forced to foul the Spartans and they will get to this cover at the foul line. I like Michigan State -5.5 (-115) as my favorite play.

Over/Under

LEAN OVER 127.5 (-110).

This number reflects the slow nature this game will be played at by both teams. A game in the 60s is what both teams will be aiming for and they will get it. It will take some foul line points to get there, but it will get there. Take Over 127.5 (-110).

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Northwestern at Georgetown odds, picks and predictions

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

The Northwestern Wildcats (2-0) and Georgetown Hoyas (2-0) tangle in a Tuesday non-conference game in the nation’s capital. The opening tip at Capital One Arena will be at 6:30 p.m. ET (FS1). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Northwestern vs. Georgetown odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.

Northwestern went 6-2 against non-conference foes last year, but then scuffled its way to a 7-13 finish (T10) in Big Ten play. The 2022-23 Wildcats have been solid on defense in dispatching Chicago State and Northern Illinois. Senior F Robbie Beran has gotten to the free-throw line 17 times in 2 games. He leads the Wildcats in scoring, at 17.5 points per game.

The Hoyas won their Nov. 8 opener against Coppin State 99-89 in overtime as an 18-point favorite. That victory snapped a 21-game losing streak. Georgetown then continued a different kind of streak when, favored by 17, it beat Green Bay 92-58 Saturday. Sophomore G Primo Spears has been the engine for the Hoyas offense, scoring 28 and 21 points in the 2 games.

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Northwestern at Georgetown odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 11:07 a.m. ET.

Moneyline: Northwestern -112 (bet $112 to win $100) | Kansas -108 (bet $108 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Northwestern -1.5 (+100) | Georgetown +1.5 (-125)
Over/Under (O/U): 146.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

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Northwestern at Georgetown picks and predictions

Prediction

Northwestern 73, Georgetown 71

Moneyline

Not available.

Against the spread

This is a jump in class for Georgetown, and the Hoyas have also likely been shooting a few points over their heads. Some regression spells a setback against an NU side that brings back much of its roster from a year ago and can defend shot attempts to the hilt.

Butler, DePaul, and Marquette are decent Big East comps for Northwestern. The Hoyas went a combined 0-6 against that group last season.

BACK NORTHWESTERN WILDCATS -1.5 (+100).

Over/Under

A 70-something to 70-something contest seems entirely likely. PASS.

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Ohio State at Northwestern odds, picks and predictions

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

The No. 2 Ohio State Buckeyes (8-0, 5-0 Big Ten) meet the Northwestern Wildcats (1-7, 1-4) Saturday at Ryan Field in Evanston, Ill. Kickoff is scheduled for noon ET (ABC). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook‘s lines around the Ohio State vs. Northwestern odds, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.

Rankings courtesy of the AFCA Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports.

Ohio State debuted at No. 2 in the College Football Playoff rankings this week, behind only top-ranked Tennessee. It can’t afford any slip-ups if it wants to make it into the CFP, but there will be no stunning loss this week.

Ohio State has scored 44 or more points in 7 consecutive games, the longest streak by any Big Ten team since 1936. In addition, the Buckeyes have managed 20-plus points in 69 consecutive games, tying Oklahoma for the all-time record.

Northwestern is averaging just 17.9 PPG, ranked 120th out of 131 FBS teams, and the defense is coughing up 28.8 PPG. That’s not conducive to pulling an upset — or even coming close.

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Ohio State at Northwestern odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 3:31 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Ohio State -100000 (bet $100,000 to win $100) | Northwestern +1700 (bet $100 to win $1,700)
Against the spread: Ohio State -37.5 (-117) | Northwestern +37.5 (-103)
Over/Under (O/U): 55.5 (O: -112 | U: -108)

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Ohio State at Northwestern and predictions

Prediction

Ohio State 59, Northwestern 10

Moneyline

This shouldn’t even require an explanation, but there would never be a reason to risk $100 to win a dime, which is what a bet on Ohio State (-100000) would be.

AVOID.

Against the spread

OHIO STATE -37.5 (-117) ranks 2nd in the nation with 48.9 PPG, and it has scored 44 or more points in 7 in a row. As such, it is rather surprising this number is so low.

This might be the best bet of the week, as it’s almost impossible to fathom the Buckeyes not getting into the 50s. Can Northwestern score double digits to make you sweat? I’m not so sure.

Over/Under

OVER 55.5 (-112) is a strong play, and it wouldn’t be shocking to see the juggernaut Buckeyes offense take care of the total without any assistance from the Wildcats.

Ohio State has hit 6 straight Over results because of its high-octane offense, which has been on another plane. Northwestern has cashed 3 straight Over results because its defense has packed it in, conceding at least 31 points in losses to Wisconsin, Maryland and Iowa. It’s a perfect recipe for an Over, and by quite a bit.

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Northwestern at Penn State odds, picks and predictions

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

The Northwestern Wildcats (1-3) visit the Penn State Nittany Lions (4-0) Saturday with kickoff from Beaver Stadium set for 3:30 p.m. ET (ESPN). Below, we look at the Northwestern vs. Penn State odds from Tipico Sportsbook; check back for all our college football picks and predictions.

Northwestern started the season with a 31-28 Big Ten win over Nebraska, but has lost 3 straight since — to Duke (31-23), Southern Illinois (31-24) and Miami of Ohio (17-14).

After starting the season off with a tight 35-31 Big Ten win over Purdue, Penn State has been rolling. They have yet to score under 33 points in a game and both the offense and defense have looked solid. Sixth-year QB Sean Clifford is off to strong start with 8 TDs and only 1 INT. He’s hit 64.1% of his passes (75-of-117) for 890 yards while only playing 4 quarters in 1 of 4 games this season.

Penn State is No. 12 in the AFCA Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports.

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Northwestern at Penn State odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Wednesday at 3:02 p.m. ET.

Money line (ML): Northwestern +1100 (bet $100 to win $1,100) | Penn State -3000 (bet $3,000 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Northwestern +26.5 (-105) | Penn State -26.5 (-115)
Over/Under (O/U): 52.5 (O: -108 | U: -112)

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Northwestern at Penn State picks and predictions

Prediction

Penn State 35, Northwestern 13

Money line

PASS. Penn State (-3000) will win, but no one should make this bet – odds with so much juice.

The game should be a blowout for Penn State. The Lions’ lone close game came in Week 1 against Purdue, and ever since that they’ve won by an average margin of 28 points, including a 29-point win at Auburn in Week 3. Northwestern’s lone win was against a lackluster Nebraska team. Clifford seems to be rolling along with true freshman RB Nick Singleton (averaging 9 yards per carry) and transfer WR Mitchell Tinsley (3 TDs).

Against the spread

LEAN NORTHWESTERN +26.5 (-108)

Penn State has covered the spread in 3 of their 4 games this season, but the 1 time they didn’t was last week against Central Michigan. In the last 3 games Penn State has pulled their starters after gaining the lead and while the backups have proven they can score against lackluster opponents, I’m not sure that will be enough to beat Northwestern by 26.5 points or more.

Penn State is also 0-5 ATS in their last 5 home games vs. opponents with a losing record.

Over/Under

BET UNDER 52.5 (-112)

To me this is the 2nd safest bet in this game. The under is 7-0 in Penn State’s last 7 home games against opponents with losing records, and I don’t see that changing here. Expect Penn State to get a huge lead going into the end of the 3rd quarter and then pull their starters and start milking the clock.

I don’t see Penn State’s tough secondary giving up many yards or points to a pass-heavy Northwestern offense. This secondary leads FBS in pass break-ups with 41, the next closest being Illinois and Pittsburgh at 25. A defense led by CB Joey Porter Jr. shouldn’t allow more than 2 scores.

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Nebraska vs. Northwestern odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Nebraska Cornhuskers vs. Northwestern Wildcats odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Nebraska Cornhuskers open the season Saturday against the Northwestern Wildcats at Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Ireland. Kickoff is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. ET (FOX). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook‘s lines around the Nebraska vs. Northwestern odds, and make our expert college football picks, predictions and bets.

The Cornhuskers and Wildcats were each 3-9 SU last season, but it was a tale of 2 seasons. Despite a putrid record, Nebraska was actually pretty competitive with all 9 losses by single digits, including 8 one-score games.

Nebraska looks to QB Casey Thompson, a transfer from Texas, to turn things around in Lincoln.

The Wildcats lost their final 6 games, too, but Northwestern was drummed by 26 or more points in 5 of those outings. It also suffered a 56-7 blasting at the hands of Big Red in Lincoln on Oct. 2.

Check out: AFCA Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY sports

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Nebraska vs. Northwestern odds

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Wednesday at 8:28 a.m. ET.

Money line (ML): Nebraska -550 (bet $550 to win $100) | Northwestern +400 (bet $100 to win $400)
Against the spread (ATS): Nebraska -13 (-108) | Northwestern +13 (-112)
Over/Under (O/U): 50.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)

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Nebraska vs. Northwestern picks and predictions

Prediction

Nebraska 29, Northwestern 13

Money line

Nebraska (-550) will set you back quite a few pints of Guinness, or 5 1/2 times your potential return. That’s too much risk for not much gold at the end of your betting rainbow.

While Northwestern (+400) would have to find several 4-leaf clovers on the grass at Aviva Stadium for some luck to pull off the miracle win, it’s best to PASS on the Huskers at this expensive price point.

Against the spread

Back NEBRASKA -13 (-108) laying the points against the beleaguered Northwestern +13 (-112) side.

The Huskers have a Power 5 quarterback under center, while the Wildcats have a lot of holes to fill. Look for the Huskers to get off to a good start, and watch for an early connection from Thompson and WR Omar Manning to set the tone early.

Over/Under

The UNDER 50.5 (-110) is worth playing. Both of these teams might have some jet lag with the long trip overseas.

The last time we saw a game played on Irish shores in 2016 at Aviva, Georgia Tech edged Boston College in a game which saw the Under easily cash.

With Northwestern’s lackluster offense, look for another Under to cash here.

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

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

The No. 12 seed Northwestern Wildcats (15-15) will battle the fifth-seeded Iowa Hawkeyes (22-9) Thursday in the second round of the Big Ten Tournament at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Tip is scheduled for 2 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Northwestern vs. Iowa odds and lines, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.

Iowa is 8-2 its last 10 games. The Hawkeyes finished 12-8 in the conference and 19-12 against the spread (ATS) overall. They are the top ATS team (19-12) in the Big Ten and are led by star F Keegan Murray, who averages 23.3 points per game. Iowa is ranked 23rd in the Ferris Mowers Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports.

Northwestern squeaked by Nebraska 71-69 in an opening-round game Wednesday. The Wildcats tied for 10th in the Big Ten with a 7-13 conference mark and were 13-15-1 ATS overall. Against ranked opponents, they are 3-4-1 ATS. Northwestern, which is on a two-game win streak, is led by 6-foot-10 F Pete Nance, who averages 14.7 points and 6.0 rebounds per game.

Northwestern vs. Iowa odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 1:09 a.m. ET.

Money line: Northwestern +280 (bet $100 to win $280) | Iowa -370 (bet $370 to win $100)
Against the spread: Northwestern +7.5 (-108) | Iowa -7.5 (-112)
Over/Under (O/U): 147.5 (O: -107 | U: -115)

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Northwestern vs. Iowa odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Iowa 81, Northwestern 70

Money line

PASS.

Iowa is the superior team, but it’s March. Betting a -370 money line in March with the desperation found in some of these lower seeds just isn’t smart. Northwestern’s lone matchup against Iowa was a 21-point loss.

Against the spread

LEAN to IOWA -7.5 (-112).

Iowa has been a covering machine this season and already destroyed Northwestern. The Hawkeyes were 10.5-point home favorites in that 82-61 victory Feb 28.

Iowa is 14-10 ATS this season as a favorite. While Murray leads the show, Iowa has four players averaging double figures in points on a routine basis. That’s going to bode well over the course of a tournament.

Iowa is also 7-3 ATS with a rest advantage, which it will have here with Northwestern having to play in the first round Wednesday.

Lastly, Northwestern was just 9-11-1 ATS against conference opponents.

Over/Under

LEAN to the OVER 147.5 (-107).

Northwestern will put up more of a fight this time around, but there’s no reason to expect Iowa’s offense won’t be just as efficient.

Iowa put up 82 points the first time around which was actually below their 83.3 points per game average, which ranks fifth in the country. Iowa is 19-11-1 O/U this season.

Northwestern is 13-16 O/U this season and put up 71 against Nebraska in the opening round. If it can duplicate that, which should be possible against Iowa, which allows 71.0 points per game, the Over should be the better side of the total.

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Northwestern at Iowa odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Monday’s Northwestern at Iowa odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets in an AAC battle.

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The Northwestern Wildcats (13-14, 6-12 Big Ten) visit the Iowa Hawkeyes (20-8, 10-7) Monday at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City. Tip-off is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET (Big Ten Network). Below, we look at the Northwestern vs. Iowa odds and lines, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.

The Wildcats are in freefall, losing four of the past five games to slip back under .500. Northwestern suffered a 67-60 loss at Penn State last time out Friday as the Under cashed for the fifth time in the past six games.

The Hawkeyes have posted three consecutive games and six of the past seven outings overall. Iowa has covered just two of the past five games at home.

Rankings courtesy of the Ferris Mowers Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports.

Northwestern at Iowa odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 8:15 a.m. ET.

Money line: Northwestern +420 (bet $100 to win $420) | Iowa -600 (bet $600 to win $100)
Against the spread: Northwestern +9.5 (-102) | Iowa -9.5 (-122)
Over/Under (O/U): 151.5 (O: -112 | U: -108)

Northwestern at Iowa odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Iowa 78, Northwestern 71

Money line

Iowa (-600) is back on its home hardwood after an 88-78 win at Nebraska Friday. The Hawkeyes have won three of the past four at home, while going 13-0 SU in 13 games as a favorite of 9.5 or more points. However, you cannot risk six times your potential return, no matter how certain the result appears.

PASS.

Against the spread

NORTHWESTERN +9.5 (-102) is worth playing, as the Wildcats are 3-1 ATS in the past four instances as an underdog of eight or more points. Iowa -9.5 (-122) is a dangerous team with Keegan Murray leading the charge. However, the Hawkeyes are just 2-3 ATS in the past five as a favorite of 9 or more points.

Over/Under

The play is for the UNDER 151.5 (-108) here. For Northwestern, the Under has connected in five of the past six games overall, while going 4-0 in the past four as an underdog. For Iowa, the Over has been the rule lately, and it has a powerful offense. But Northwestern is not as good on offense, and will help keep the total Under.

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Northwestern at Ohio State odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Sunday’s Northwestern Wildcats at Ohio State Buckeyes odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Northwestern Wildcats (8-4, 1-2 Big Ten) and No. 12 Ohio State Buckeyes (9-3, 3-1) clash Sunday for a Big Ten showdown in Columbus, Ohio. Tip-off from Value City Arena is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Northwestern vs. Ohio State odds and lines and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.

Rankings courtesy of the Ferris Mowers Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports.

Northwestern is coming off back-to-back home losses and is visiting Columbus to mark its first road game since Dec. 5. The Wildcats have logged January losses to Michigan State and Penn State, both of which were decided by two or fewer possessions. Northwestern is 1-4 in games that have been decided by that close of a margin this season.

The Buckeyes faltered in a 67-51 loss at Indiana Thursday. Ohio State shot just 30.8% from the floor in having a five-game win streak snapped. OSU is 6-0 at home this season. Among those half-dozen wins is a 71-66 conquest of current No. 2 Duke Nov. 30.

Northwestern at Ohio State odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 10:20 a.m. ET.

Money line: Northwestern +270 (bet $100 to win $270) | Ohio State -360 (bet $360 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Northwestern +7.5 (-108) | Ohio State -7.5 (-112)
Over/Under (O/U): 139.5 (O: -115 | U: -107)

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Northwestern at Ohio State odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Ohio State 75, Northwestern 67

Money line

PASS.

Against the spread

The favorite is 5-1 ATS in the last six meetings between OSU and NU and the Buckeyes are 4-1 ATS in their last five games following an ATS loss.

Ohio State is back at home where it has registered impressive wins over Duke and Wisconsin. The Buckeyes are on a solid trend line overall, and they have an edge in athleticism in this one.

This game is a tough ask for a Wildcat team playing its first road game in over a month. NU takes care of the basketball, but look for OSU’s 3-point shooting to be enough of a difference-maker…just barely. BACK THE BUCKEYES -7.5 (-112).

Over/Under

OSU plays a slow-down style, but the Over is 8-4 across the Buckeyes’ 12 games and it’s 6-1 in the Ohio State’s last seven games as a favorite.

Buckeye three-pointers and trips to the foul line will add up to a cushion here, and this is likely the top play in this contest: TAKE THE OVER 139.5 (-115).

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