The Penn State Nittany Lions (7-14, 0-10 Big 10) head to Welsh-Ryan Arena to meet the Northwestern Wildcats (12-9, 3-7 Big 10). The Nittany Lions will try to snap their eight-game losing streak. The game is scheduled to start at 8 p.m. ET on Monday, February 4, 2019.
Penn State Nittany Lions at Northwestern Wildcats Betting Odds
Both teams were beaten in their last matchup. The Wildcats lost big to the 21st-ranked Maryland Terrapins, 70-52, while the Nittany Lions were beaten by the 17th-ranked Purdue Boilermakers, 99-90.
Penn State had an offensive rebounding percentage of 40.0 (above their season average of 31.1) while Northwestern had a turnover percentage of 9.8 (better than their season average of 15.0). Anthony Gaines played a key role for Northwestern with 18 points and seven rebounds. Meanwhile, Penn State was led by Lamar Stevens, who had 24 points and six rebounds.
The Nittany Lions captured this series last year, emerging victorious in two out of three games. In the last contest, Penn State won 65-57. The Nittany Lions’ turnover percentage was their biggest advantage over the Wildcats. Penn State had a rate of 7.0, while Northwestern posted a mark of 13.3. This is the first time these teams will meet this year.
From an effective field goal percentage perspective, Northwestern should have a considerable edge. The Wildcats defense ranks 63rd in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.475), while the Penn State offense is ranked 317th in effective field goal percentage (0.471).
Penn State Nittany Lions at Northwestern Wildcats ATS Pick
Basketball Tip: SU Winner – Penn State, ATS Winner – Penn State, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Penn State ranks 112th in rebounds per game (36.7) while Northwestern ranks 248th (33.5).
- The Nittany Lions average 7.3 steals per game, which ranks 65th in the nation. The Wildcats rank 73rd in steals allowed per game (5.9).
- Northwestern ranks 82nd in assists per game (14.6) while Penn State ranks 90th in assists allowed per game (12.3).
- The Wildcats average 4.5 blocks per game, which ranks 37th in the NCAA. The Nittany Lions rank 121st in blocks allowed per game (3.6).
- Northwestern is fifth in the country with 17.3 three pointers allowed per game while Penn State is 30th with 19.1 three pointers allowed per game.
Bettings Trends:
- The Nittany Lions’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 7.2, up from 1.0 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Wildcats have scored an average of 59.2 points per game (9.3 below their season average) and allowed an average of 67.0 points per game (2.4 above their season average).
