The Northwestern Wildcats (9-5, 1-1 Big 10) will attempt to extend a six-game home winning streak when they go head-to-head against the Nebraska Cornhuskers (10-5, 1-1 Big 10) at Allstate Arena. The Over/Under (O/U) for the game has been set at 142.5 points with Northwestern opening as an 8.5-point favorite. Tip-off is scheduled for 9 p.m. ET on Tuesday, January 2, 2018.
Nebraska Cornhuskers at Northwestern Wildcats ATS Preview
In the Cornhuskers last matchup, they defeated the Stetson Hatters, 71-62. With 13 points and eight rebounds, Nebraska’s James Palmer Jr. played well. Nebraska dominated every facet of the game. They had a ridiculous free throw rate of 0.349 (above their season average of 0.253) and an offensive rebounding percentage of 29.2 (below their season average of 31.7). Stetson was 0.097 and 24.0, respectively, for those same stats.
The Wildcats come in on a high note after blowing out the Brown Bears in their last contest, 95-73. With 18 points on 6-for-7 shooting, Dererk Pardon was Northwestern’s leading scorer. Northwestern played a nearly flawless game. They had a phenomenal free throw rate of 0.377 (above their season average of 0.272) and an effective field goal percentage of 0.590 (above their season average of 0.520). Brown recorded marks of 0.234 and 0.453, respectively, for those same stats.
Nebraska could have a tough time creating turnovers. Northwestern ranks 36th in the NCAA at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 16.4 percent), while Nebraska forces the 184th-most turnovers (19.3 percent).
Of Nebraska’s 13 games with betting action, eight have finished under the O/U total, while 6 of Northwestern’s 12 games have finished under the projected point total. Both teams have solid straight up (SU) records (10-5 for Nebraska; 9-5 for Northwestern), but the Cornhuskers have the edge against the spread (ATS). Nebraska is 8-5 ATS, while the Wildcats are 5-7.
Palmer Jr. has really been playing well over the last five games for Nebraska, averaging 16.8 points per game.
This is the first time these teams will battle this year, after the Wildcats won both games last season. In the last contest, Northwestern won 73-61. Northwestern’s free throw rate was their biggest advantage over Nebraska. The Wildcats had a rate of 0.238, while the Cornhuskers posted a mark of 0.190.
Nebraska Cornhuskers at Northwestern Wildcats Prediction
Predictions: SU Winner – Northwestern, ATS Winner – Nebraska, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- The Wildcats are 40th in the nation with 5.3 steals allowed per game while the Cornhuskers are 42nd with 5.3 steals allowed per game.
- Nebraska is 22nd in the nation with 18.1 three pointers allowed per game while Northwestern is 24th with 18.1 three pointers allowed per game.
- Northwestern is 3-3 ATS at home, while Nebraska is 2-4 ATS on the road.
- The total has gone over in 3 of the Wildcats 6 home games, while 4 of the Cornhuskers 6 road games have gone under.
- 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 ranks 83rd in assists per game (15.1) while Northwestern ranks 112th in assists allowed per game (13.1).
Bettings Trends:
- Northwestern is 2-2 ATS with 2 overs and 2 unders in their last five games.
- Over their last five games, Nebraska is 3-0 ATS with 2 unders and 1 over.
- The Wildcats average margin of victory in their last five games has been 26.4, up from 10.1 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Cornhuskers have scored an average of 79.4 points per game (3.6 above their season average) and allowed an average of 74.4 points per game (2.5 above their season average).
