It will be a battle between two exceptional defenses when the Nebraska Cornhuskers (14-11, 4-10 Big 10) square off with the Northwestern Wildcats (12-12, 3-10 Big 10) at Pinnacle Bank Arena. The game gets underway at 8:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 16, 2019.
Northwestern Wildcats vs. Nebraska Cornhuskers Betting Odds
In their last game, the Cornhuskers won a close one over the Minnesota Golden Gophers, 62-61, while the Wildcats lost a close one to the Rutgers Scarlet Knights, 59-56.
The Cornhuskers had a better free throw rate (0.188 vs. 0.093) and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.552 (above their season average of 0.498). Northwestern, meanwhile, had a much better turnover percentage (12.7 vs. 18.8). James Palmer Jr. had a good game for Nebraska, finishing with 24 points. Meanwhile, Vic Law played a key role for Northwestern with 17 points.
The Cornhuskers won the sole game between these two teams last year, 70-55. Nebraska did a great job of converting from the free throw line (15-17; 88.2 percent). Northwestern, meanwhile, had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (45.8 vs. 33.3). This will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams.
Baskets could be hard to come by in this contest between two of the country’s best defenses. Nebraska ranks 29th in defensive efficiency (94.8) and Northwestern is 58th (96.8).
Northwestern at Nebraska Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Nebraska, ATS Winner – Northwestern, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Nebraska ranks eighth in assists allowed per game (9.8) while Northwestern ranks 124th (13.0).
- The Cornhuskers rank 27th in steals allowed per game (5.2) while the Wildcats rank 88th (6.0).
- Northwestern ranks fifth in three pointers allowed per game (17.1) while Nebraska ranks 13th (18.3).
- The Wildcats rank 157th in rebounds allowed per game (35.2) while the Cornhuskers rank 241st (37.6).
- Northwestern averages 4.2 blocks per game, which ranks 50th in the country. Nebraska ranks 126th in blocks allowed per game (3.6).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Wildcats have scored an average of 57.0 points per game (10.7 below their season average) and allowed an average of 66.0 points per game (1.3 above their season average).
- The Cornhuskers have been outscored by an average of 10.2 points in their last five games. For the season, Nebraska has defeated opponents by an average of 9.0 points.
