Northern Illinois Huskies vs Northern Iowa Panthers Matchup

Read on to get betting odds and analysis in our Northern Illinois vs Northern Iowa NCAA Basketball prediction and preview and see who we think will win and cover the spread in Cedar Falls.

Northern Illinois vs Northern Iowa Prediction

Don't miss out on the NCAA showdown between the Huskies and Panthers. The game is starting at 6:00 ET on ESPN+, and it's hosted by the Panthers at McLeod Center in Cedar Falls, IA. Get ready to place your bets! This non-conference matchup has an over/under of 139.5 points, and Northern Iowa is favored by -18.5 vs. Northern Illinois.

Northern Illinois vs. Northern Iowa Matchup At A Glance

Sport: NCAAB
Teams: Northern Illinois Huskies at Northern Iowa Panthers
Where: Cedar Falls at McLeod Center
Date: Saturday, December 7th
Betting Odds NIOWA -18.5, NILL +1071 | NIOWA -2500 O/U 139.5

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

Northern Illinois Huskies Recent Game

The Huskies dropped to 1-6 on the season after a 72-59 road loss to Eastern Illinois on Friday. Entering the game as +3.5 point underdogs, Northern Illinois not only lost but also failed to cover the spread.

After trailing 31-24 at halftime, the Huskies allowed 41 points in the second half while scoring 35. The game’s total points of 131 fell short of the 137.5 O/U line.

Huskies Offense Breakdown

Northern Illinois struggled offensively in their last game, shooting just 29.6% from the field and hitting only 5 of 17 two-point attempts (29.4%). They connected on 11 of 37 three-pointers, shooting 29.7% from deep, and finished with an effective field goal percentage of 40.7%.

Despite the shooting woes, the Huskies were nearly perfect from the free-throw line, making 16 of 17 attempts (94.1%). They managed just 3 offensive rebounds and recorded 13 assists in the game.

Huskies Team Defense

Northern Illinois gave up 72 points in their latest game, with the opposing team shooting 44% from the field on 26 of 58 attempts. Inside the arc, Northern Illinois allowed 23 two-point baskets on 45 attempts, a 51% shooting rate.

From three-point range, the Huskies held their opponent to 3 of 13 shooting, just 23%. They also sent the other team to the free-throw line 22 times, where they converted 17 attempts for 77%. Northern Illinois allowed 9 offensive rebounds.

Panthers Preview: Can the Panthers Lock in a Home Win?

Northern Iowa Panthers Recent Game/Games

Northern Iowa improved to 3-4 on the season with an 83-56 road win over UIC on Wednesday. The Panthers entered the game as 2-point favorites and covered the spread, while the combined points of 139 fell short of the 148.5 O/U line.

UNI took control early, leading 46-32 at halftime, and continued to dominate in the 2nd half, outscoring UIC 37-24.

Panthers Offense Breakdown

Northern Iowa's offense was firing on all cylinders in their last game, putting up 83 points on 56.6% shooting from the field. Their effective field goal percentage was an impressive 67.9%, thanks in large part to their 61.1% shooting from beyond the arc, hitting 11 of 18 threes.

Leon Bond III led the way with 22 points on 9 of 12 shooting, while Trey Campbell knocked down all 5 of his three-point attempts, finishing with 17 points and 5 assists. The Panthers also dished out 20 assists as a team, with Tytan Anderson contributing 16 points and 7 rebounds.

Panthers Team Defense

Northern Iowa's defense was on point, holding their opponent to just 56 points on 32% shooting from the field. They limited two-point opportunities, with the other team hitting only 14 of 36 shots for 38%.

From beyond the arc, Northern Iowa's defense was even more effective, as they allowed just 5 threes on 23 attempts, a 21% success rate. They sent their opponent to the line 18 times, where they made 13 free throws, shooting 72%.

Huskies vs Panthers Betting Odds, Trends & Analysis

Although Northern Illinois has a straight up record of 2-8 in their last ten road games, they have not held up as well vs the spread going 5-5. The team averaged 65 points per game in these games.
Across their last three home contests, Northern Iowa has a 2-1 record vs the spread. Their overall mark in these games was 1-2, while averaging 76 points per game.
Looking back on the team's last three games as the underdog, the Huskies have a straight up record of 0-3. Their record vs the spread in these games was 1-2.
The Panthers have played well in their last three games as the betting favorite, going 2-1 straight up and 2-1 against the spread.