The Northwestern Wildcats (9-5, 1-1 Big 10) will attempt to prolong their six-game home winning streak in a matchup against the Nebraska Cornhuskers (10-5, 1-1 Big 10) at Allstate Arena. The game gets underway at 9 p.m. ET on Tuesday, January 2, 2018.
Northwestern opened as an 8.5-point favorite, while the Over/Under (O/U) for the game has been set at 142.5 points.
Nebraska Cornhuskers vs. Northwestern Wildcats Free Prediction
In the Cornhuskers’ last contest, they defeated the Stetson Hatters, 71-62. The Cornhuskers had an extraordinary free throw rate of 0.349 (above their season average of 0.253) and held the Hatters to an offensive rebounding percentage of 24.0 (below the 34.5 mark opponents have averaged against Nebraska this season). James Palmer Jr. played well for Nebraska, putting up 13 points and eight rebounds.
The Wildcats easily got past the Brown Bears in their last outing, 95-73. The Wildcats made 23 of their 28 free throws (82.1 percent) and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.590 (above their season average of 0.520). Dererk Pardon led Northwestern in scoring with 18 points on 6-for-7 shooting.
Nebraska could have a tough time creating turnovers. Northwestern ranks 36th in the nation at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 16.4 percent), while Nebraska forces the 184th-most turnovers (19.3 percent).
Nebraska holds records of 10-5 straight up (SU) and 8-5 against the spread (ATS). Games including the Cornhuskers have a tendency to go under the total (61.5 percent).
Northwestern has a respectable 9-5 SU record, but they have trouble covering the spread (5-7 ATS). Games featuring the Wildcats have no tendency in regards to the total, as there has been an even split between games finishing over and under.
Palmer Jr. has averaged 16.8 points over the last five games for Nebraska.
After the Wildcats won both matchups against the Cornhuskers last season, these teams will go head-to-head for the first time this year. In the most recent matchup, Northwestern won 73-61. Northwestern did a terrific job of making free throws (15-19; 78.9 percent). Nebraska, on the other hand, had a better offensive rebounding percentage (32.6 vs. 31.6).
Nebraska Cornhuskers at Northwestern Wildcats Odds Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Northwestern, ATS Winner – Nebraska, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
On the road, Nebraska is 2-4 ATS with 4 unders and 2 overs.
Northwestern is 3-3 ATS at home with 3 overs and 3 unders.
Northwestern ranks 45th in rebounds allowed per game (31.7) while Nebraska ranks 224th (39.1).
The Wildcats rank 22nd in blocks allowed per game (2.3) while the Cornhuskers rank 120th (3.9).
Nebraska averages 15.1 assists per game, which ranks 83rd in the nation. Northwestern ranks 112th in assists allowed per game (13.1).
The Wildcats rank 40th in steals allowed per game (5.3) while the Cornhuskers rank 42nd (5.3).
Nebraska ranks 22nd in three pointers allowed per game (18.1) while Northwestern ranks 24th (18.1).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Nebraska is 3-0 ATS with 2 unders and 1 over.
Northwestern is 2-2 ATS with 2 overs and 2 unders over their last five games.
The Cornhuskers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 5.0, up from 3.9 for the season.
During their last five games, the Wildcats have scored an average of 87.6 points per game (10.2 above their season average) and allowed an average of 61.2 points per game (6.1 below their season average).
