Eastern Illinois Panthers vs Northwestern Wildcats Matchup

Read on to get betting odds and analysis in our Eastern Illinois vs Northwestern NCAA Basketball prediction and preview and see who we think will win and cover the spread in Evanston.

Eastern Illinois vs Northwestern Prediction

Don't miss out on the NCAA showdown between the Panthers and Wildcats. The game is starting at 8:00 ET on PEAC, and it's hosted by the Wildcats at Welsh-Ryan Arena in Evanston, IL. Get ready to place your bets! The over/under for this non-conference contest is set at 140.5 points, with Northwestern being favored by -24.5 over Eastern Illinois.

Eastern Illinois vs. Northwestern Matchup At A Glance

Sport: NCAAB
Teams: Eastern Illinois Panthers at Northwestern Wildcats
Where: Evanston at Welsh-Ryan Arena
Date: Friday, November 15th
Betting Odds NW -24.5, EILL +2683 | NW -13333 O/U 140.5

Panthers Preview: Will Eastern Illinois Secure A Victory as Road Underdogs?

Eastern Illinois faced a tough challenge on Sunday, falling 90-55 to Indiana on the road. Entering the game as +27.5 point underdogs, the Panthers not only lost but also failed to cover the spread. The total points for the game were 145, just under the O/U line of 148.5.

Despite leading 37-36 at halftime, Eastern Illinois struggled in the second half, scoring only 18 points while allowing 54. This drastic shift in momentum was a key factor in the Panthers’ loss.

Panthers Offense Breakdown

Eastern Illinois struggled offensively in their last game, putting up just 55 points on 36.8% shooting from the field. Their effective field goal percentage was 42.1%, with a two-point shooting percentage of 37.8% and a three-point percentage of 35% (7/20).

The Panthers managed only 8 assists and 7 offensive rebounds. Mackenzie Mgbako stood out, hitting 70% of his shots, including 2 of 4 from deep, and adding 7 rebounds and 4 assists.

Panthers Team Defense

Eastern Illinois struggled defensively, giving up 90 points on 61% shooting from the field. The Panthers allowed their opponent to hit 38 of 62 shots.

Inside the arc, Eastern Illinois allowed 32 of 44 shots (72%) to fall. From three-point range, their opponent went 6/18 (33%).

Wildcats Preview: Taking a Look at the Wildcats Chances at Home

Northwestern Wildcats Recent Game/Games

Northwestern picked up an 83-74 win over UIC on Tuesday, November 12th, in a home game. The Wildcats were -15.5 favorites going in, but they didn’t cover the spread. The total points for the game reached 157, surpassing the O/U line of 141.5.

Northwestern led 31-29 at halftime and then scored 52 points in the 2nd half while allowing 45 points to UIC.

Wildcats Offense Breakdown

Northwestern put up 83 points in their latest game, shooting 50% from the field and hitting 46.7% from beyond the arc (7/15). Their effective field goal percentage was 55.6%, and they connected on 22 of 33 free throws, good for 66.7%.

Nick Martinelli led the way with 27 points, shooting 71.4% overall and 2/2 from three. Javon Jackson added 17 points, hitting 3 of 6 from deep, while Jalen Leach contributed 16 points, also shooting 50% from three. Ty Berry and Filip Skobalj each hit 3 threes, with Skobalj shooting 83.3% overall and 75% from three.

Wildcats Team Defense

Northwestern's defense struggled in their last game, giving up 74 points on 50% shooting from the field. The Wildcats allowed their opponent to hit 20 of 39 shots from inside the arc, a 51% success rate.

From three-point range, Northwestern's opponent connected on 7 of 15 attempts, shooting 46%. They also sent the opposing team to the free-throw line 33 times, where they made 22 free throws (66%). Northwestern gave up 8 offensive rebounds.

Panthers vs Wildcats Betting Odds, Trends & Analysis

Through their last ten road games, Eastern Illinois has an ATS record of just 6-4. However, their overall record was 3-7 while averaging 69 points per game.
Northwestern has a 2-3 record in their last five home games. In this stretch, they averaged 63 points per game while allowing 65. The team also performed well vs the spread at 3-2.
In their last ten games as the betting underdog, the Panthers have a straight up record of 2-8 and an ATS mark of 5-5.
In their last five games as the betting favorite, the Wildcats have a strong straight up record of 4-1. In addition, their ATS record was 3-2 in these scenarios.