Northwestern Wildcats vs Penn State Nittany Lions Matchup

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

Northwestern vs Penn State Prediction

Planning on watching today's Wildcats and Nittany Lions game? Catch the action at Bryce Jordan Center in University Park, PA, as the Nittany Lions hosts this showdown at 7:00 ET on PEAC. The over/under for this Big Ten conference contest is set at 144.5 points, with Penn State being favored by -5 at home against Northwestern.

Northwestern vs. Penn State Matchup At A Glance

Sport: NCAAB
Teams: Northwestern Wildcats at Penn State Nittany Lions
Where: University Park at Bryce Jordan Center
Date: Thursday, January 2nd
Betting Odds PENNST -5, NW +187 | PENNST -234 O/U 144.5

Wildcats Preview: Does Northwestern Have A Chance at Bryce Jordan Center?

Northwestern improved to 10-3 on the season with an 85-60 win over Northeastern on Sunday. The Wildcats, who were -14 favorites, covered the spread in the home victory.

Leading 35-33 at halftime, Northwestern dominated the 2nd half, outscoring Northeastern 50-27. The game’s total points of 145 went over the O/U line of 137.5.

Wildcats Offense Breakdown

Northwestern's offense was firing on all cylinders in their last game, putting up 85 points on 53.6% shooting from the field. Their effective field goal percentage was an impressive 60.7%, thanks in large part to their 67.7% shooting on two-point attempts. From beyond the arc, they hit 9 of 25 threes, shooting 36%.

Ty Berry led the way with 23 points, hitting 5 of 7 threes and shooting 80% overall. Brooks Barnhizer added 22 points and 10 rebounds, while LA Pratt contributed 18 points and 7 boards. Masai Troutman was also key, knocking down 4 of 5 threes and finishing with 17 points.

Wildcats Team Defense

Even though Northwestern gave up 60 points, they allowed their opponent to shoot 53% from the field, including 67% on two-point attempts (21/31). From beyond the arc, the Wildcats' defense saw their opponent hit 9 of 25 threes, good for 36%.

Northwestern also sent their opponent to the free-throw line 22 times, where they made 16 free throws, shooting 72%. The Wildcats gave up 10 offensive rebounds in the game.

Nittany Lions Preview: Will the Nittany Lions Make it Happen at Home?

Penn State improved to 11-2 on the season with an 86-66 win over Penn on Sunday. The Nittany Lions were heavy favorites going into the game, but they didn’t cover the spread. The total points for the game ended at 152, just under the O/U line of 152.5.

Penn State led 34-31 at halftime before breaking the game open in the second half, outscoring the Quakers 52-35.

Nittany Lions Offense Breakdown

In their recent game, Penn State put up 86 points, shooting 45.5% from the field and 22.2% from beyond the arc, hitting just 4 of 18 three-point attempts. Their effective field goal percentage was 48.5%, and they excelled at the free-throw line, connecting on 84.6% of their 26 attempts.

Michael Zanoni led the way with 27 points, hitting 7 of 12 from deep, while Ace Baldwin added 23 points and 10 assists. Yanic Konan Niederhauser contributed 19 points and 15 rebounds, and the team grabbed 14 offensive boards, finishing with 17 assists overall.

Nittany Lions Team Defense

Despite Penn State's defense allowing 66 points on 45% shooting, they limited their opponent's three-point success, holding them to just 4 made threes on 18 attempts (22%).

Inside the arc, the Nittany Lions gave up 26 two-point baskets on 48 attempts (54%). They also sent their opponent to the free-throw line 26 times, where they converted 22 (84%).

Wildcats vs Nittany Lions Betting Odds, Trends & Analysis

Northwestern has a 1-2 record in their last three road games. In this stretch, they averaged 71 points per game while allowing 70. The team also performed well vs the spread at 2-1.
Across their five previous home games, Penn State has an ATS mark of 1-3-1. Their straight up record in these matchups was 2-3 while averaging 72 points per game.
Spanning across their last three games as the betting underdog, the Wildcats have gone 2-1 vs the spread. Their overall record in these games was 1-2.
Through their previous five contests as the betting favorite, the Nittany Lions have a strong record of 5-0. Their record vs the spread in these matchups is 2-3.