Montana State Bobcats vs Northwestern Wildcats Matchup

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

Montana State vs Northwestern Prediction

Betting on today's Bobcats and Wildcats game? Catch the action at Welsh-Ryan Arena in Evanston, IL, as the Wildcats hosts this showdown at 9:00 ET on BTN. The over/under for this game is set at 137.5 points, and Northwestern is favored by -15 against Montana State in a non-conference matchup.

Montana State vs. Northwestern Matchup At A Glance

Sport: NCAAB
Teams: Montana State Bobcats at Northwestern Wildcats
Where: Evanston at Welsh-Ryan Arena
Date: Tuesday, November 19th
Betting Odds NW -15, MONST +685 | NW -1157 O/U 137.5

Bobcats Preview: Will the Bobcats Come Through as Road Underdogs?

Montana State fell to 2-2 on the season after a 79-78 road loss to Denver on Sunday. The Bobcats entered the game as 5-point favorites but failed to cover the spread. The total points for the game reached 157, surpassing the pre-game O/U line of 147.5.

After trailing 47-33 at halftime, Montana State made a strong push in the second half, outscoring Denver 45-32, but their comeback effort fell just short.

Bobcats Offense Breakdown

Montana State put up 78 points in their last game, shooting 45.5% from the field. Their effective field goal percentage was 47.3%, largely due to their struggles from beyond the arc, where they hit just 1 of 10 attempts (10%). Inside the arc, they connected on 53.3% of their shots, going 24 for 45.

The Bobcats were strong at the free-throw line, making 27 of 37 attempts (73%). They also grabbed 11 offensive rebounds and dished out 10 assists. Brandon Walker led the way with 19 points and 10 rebounds, while Nicholas Shogbonyo added 15 points and 7 boards.

Bobcats Team Defense

Despite Montana State's defensive efforts, they allowed 79 points on 42% shooting from the field. The Bobcats held their opponent to 40% shooting on two-pointers, with 16 made baskets on 40 attempts.

From beyond the arc, Montana State's opponent shot 50%, hitting 6 of 12 threes. The Bobcats also sent them to the free-throw line 31 times, where they converted 29 for 93%. Montana State gave up 8 offensive rebounds in the game.

Wildcats Preview: Will Northwestern Pull Through as the Favored Home Team?

Northwestern picked up a 67-58 win over Eastern Illinois on Friday, November 15th. The Wildcats, who were -23.5 point favorites, didn’t cover the spread in this home game.

Northwestern led 37-27 at halftime but managed just 21 points in the 2nd half while allowing 31. The total points for the game were 125, falling short of the O/U line of 138.

Wildcats Offense Breakdown

Northwestern's offense put up 67 points in their last game, shooting 40.4% from the field. They struggled from beyond the arc, hitting just 5 of 19 attempts for a 26.3% rate, while their effective field goal percentage stood at 46.2%.

Jalen Leach led the way with 27 points, despite shooting 28.6% from three. Nakyel Shelton added 19 points, though he connected on only 1 of 9 from deep. Kooper Jacobi contributed 14 points, 9 rebounds, and 6 assists, shooting 50% from the floor.

Wildcats Team Defense

Northwestern's defense held their opponent to 58 points on 40% shooting from the field. They allowed 16 two-point field goals on 33 attempts, a 48% shooting rate.

From beyond the arc, Northwestern's defense limited their opponent to 5 made threes on 19 attempts, a 26% success rate. They also sent their opponent to the free-throw line 27 times, where they made 20 free throws, shooting 74%. Northwestern gave up 16 offensive rebounds in the game.

Bobcats vs Wildcats Betting Odds, Trends & Analysis

In their last five road games, Montana State has averaged 78 points per game while allowing 79. The team's record in this stretch was 2-3 while going 3-2.
In their last five home games, Northwestern has averaged 63 points per game while allowing 65. The team's record in this stretch was 2-3 while going 3-2.
As the betting underdog, the Bobcats have an ATS mark of just 8-2 in their last ten games. Montana State posted a straight up mark of 5-5 in these matchups.
Through their previous three contests as the betting favorite, the Wildcats have a strong record of 3-0. Their record vs the spread in these matchups is 1-2.