It will be a battle between Big 10 opponents when the Penn State Nittany Lions (12-6, 2-3 Big 10) welcome the Nebraska Cornhuskers (12-6, 3-2 Big 10) to Bryce Jordan Center. The game is scheduled to get underway at 7 p.m. ET on Friday, January 12, 2018.
Penn State opened as a 6.5-point favorite, while the game’s Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 142.5 points.
Nebraska Cornhuskers at Penn State Nittany Lions Free Prediction
The Cornhuskers will be looking for similar success after defeating the Wisconsin Badgers in their last outing, 63-59. Nebraska did a great job of getting to and converting from the free throw line (21-28; 75.0 percent). Wisconsin, meanwhile, forced the Cornhuskers into a turnover percentage of 18.0 (above their season average of 14.4). With 18 points on 5-for-11 shooting, James Palmer Jr. led Nebraska in scoring.
In the Nittany Lions’ last matchup, they were beaten by the Indiana Hoosiers, 74-70. Indiana’s rebounding was their biggest strength. The Hoosiers had more offensive rebounds (12 vs. five) and total rebounds (36 vs. 31). With 20 points and seven rebounds, Penn State’s Lamar Stevens put together a solid game.
Penn State could have their way on the defensive side of the ball as they clash against one of the NCAA’s worst offenses. The Nittany Lions rank 39th in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.463), while Nebraska is 254th in effective field goal percentage (0.492). Furthermore, the Cornhuskers rank 56th in turnover percentage (16.9 percent), while the Nittany Lions rank 60th in opponents’ turnover percentage (22.0 percent).
Both teams have had a player step their game up over their last five games. Palmer Jr. (19.2 points and 5.6 rebounds) has been great for the Cornhuskers while Mike Watkins (13.6 points, 12.0 rebounds and 3.2 blocks) has contributed greatly to the Nittany Lions.
After splitting two games last season, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. In the most recent matchup, the Nittany Lions won 76-67. Penn State was successful at getting and making free throws. The Nittany Lions made 21 of their 26 free throws (80.8 percent), while the Cornhuskers were just 7-10 (70.0 percent).
Nebraska Cornhuskers at Penn State Nittany Lions ATS Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Penn State, ATS Winner – Penn State, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
Penn State ranks 63rd in rebounds allowed per game (32.8) while Nebraska ranks 240th (38.9).
The Nittany Lions rank 11th in blocks per game (6.1) while the Cornhuskers rank 118th in blocks allowed per game (4.1).
Penn State ranks 15th in steals per game (8.8) while Nebraska ranks 110th (6.3).
The Nittany Lions rank 31st in assists allowed per game (11.1) while the Cornhuskers rank 82nd (12.5).
Nebraska ranks 191st in three pointers attempted per game (20.5) while Penn State ranks 231st (18.7).
Bettings Trends:
The Cornhuskers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 6.6, up from 3.6 for the season.
During their last five games, the Nittany Lions have scored an average of 75.0 points per game (2.4 below their season average) and allowed an average of 65.2 points per game (0.1 below their season average).
