Nebraska Cornhuskers vs Northwestern Wildcats Picks and Predictions for Saturday, January 17, 2026
Use Code WWWC The Nebraska Cornhuskers will be on the road Saturday afternoon for a Big Ten conference matchup at 4:00 PM matchup in Evanston, IL, against the Northwestern Wildcats, and we have you ready to roll with our Nebraska vs Northwestern prediction. Nebraska is the #8-ranked team in the nation thus far this season, undefeated through 17 games, following a double-digit home win over Oregon in its last game. Northwestern stays home Saturday afternoon, one game below .500 through 17 games played this year. Nebraska comes into Saturday following a blowout 35-point home victory against Oregon in its last outing. Northwestern heads into Saturday playing some of its worst basketball of the season, currently riding a 4-game losing streak after an 11-point home loss to Illinois last time out. Read more about this Nebraska vs Northwestern prediction! Struggling with handicapping? Try our NCAAB Predictions!
Nebraska tries to stay perfect
The Nebraska offense is carrying the team this season as the Cornhuskers are averaging 81.7 points on 65.8% shooting from the floor. Defensively, Nebraska has been just as stout, holding opponents to 65.8 points per game this season and giving up an average of 62.4 points per game over its last five wins. Offensively, Nebraska was phenomenal in its last outing, scoring 90 points on 53% shooting from the floor and knocking down 17 triples. Defensively, the Cornhuskers did the work, giving up just 55 points on 42% shooting on the floor. Nebraska won the rebounding battle by 5 and forced 16 turnovers in the win. Pryce Sandfort led the way for the Nebraska offense against Oregon with 28 points on 15 shots in 31 minutes. Sam Hoiberg was the second starter in double digits with 11 points in 32 minutes. Braden Frager led the way off the bench with 23 points in 30 minutes of action.
Pryce Sandfort leads the Nebraska offense this season, averaging 16.4 points per game. Big man Rienk Mast is second on the roster, 15.5 points to go along with the team-leading 6.4 rebounds per game. Braden Frager averages 12.3 points, and Jamarques Lawrence averages 10.2 points per game. Sam Hoiberg averages 8.2 points and leads the team, dishing out four assists per game. Connor Essegian averaged 10.7 points per game a year ago and 5.4 this year, but he has played just 6 times.
Key Injury Report for Nebraska:
- Ugnius Jarusevicius (Questionable) - Undisclosed
- Connor Essegian (Out) - Ankle
- Henry Burt (Questionable) - Undisclosed
Northwestern tries to find a win
The Northwestern offense has been mediocre this season, averaging 78.5 points on 47% shooting, but the Wildcats have averaged 71.75 points per game during their last four losses. Defensively, Northwestern is allowing 71.6 points per game this season, and it's given up an average of 79 points per game during its current 4-game losing streak. Defensively, Northwestern was outmatched in its last outing, giving up 79 points on 48% shooting from the floor, and Illinois knocked down 11 triples. Offensively, Northwestern was bad, scoring 68 eight points on 39% shooting and 36% from me on the ark. The Wildcats lost the rebounding battle and turned the ball over 7 times, which led to the loss. Nick Martinelli carried the load for the Northwestern offense in their last outing as the only starter in double digits with 20 points on 12 shots. Jayden Reid scored 28 points on 15 shots and 32 minutes off the bench against Illinois.
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Nick Martinelli leads the Northwestern offense this season, averaging 23.8 points and 6.6 rebounds per game. Arrinten Page is second on the roster averaging13.6 points in just under 27 minutes per game. Jayden Reid averages 11.9 points to go along with the team-leading 5.5 assists. Tre Singleton is 4th on the team, averaging 7 points per game this season. Angelo Ciaravino has averaged 6.4 points per game this year for the Wildcats offense, but has played in only 16 of 17 games.
Nebraska vs Northwestern Pick
Nebraska vs Northwestern Spread Pick
- Nebraska Cornhuskers
Nebraska is one of the best teams in the country and will continue their tear Saturday afternoon. The Cornhuskers are better on both ends of the floor and will overwhelm A struggling Northwestern team. Look for the Nebraska offense combined with their defense to stifle Northwestern for 40 minutes. Northwestern is heading in the wrong direction, riding its losing streak, and will face one of the best teams in the country Saturday, leading to more issues. Take the Cornhuskers Saturday afternoon to do the job as they remain undefeated following the win and cover on the road.
Nebraska vs Northwestern Over/Under Pick
- Under
Both teams score well, but the Nebraska defense will be the difference in this game, period. Look for Nebraska to stifle Northwestern, making points come at a premium. Northwestern has been below its scoring average this season during its current losing streak and will play the best team it has seen all year in this matchup. Look for Nebraska to control this game throughout, leading to an easy victory, but the under will hit with ease. The Nebraska defense will control the game, leading to a struggle for the Northwestern offense on Saturday afternoon.
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