Northwestern vs Penn State Picks and Prediction – 1/3/2025

The Northwestern Wildcats will be on the road Thursday night with the game in Pennsylvania against Penn State. Northwestern has had a strong start to the year coming in Thursday with ten wins through 13 games played riding a 4 game-winning streak following the 25 point victory in their last outing. Offensively Northwestern scoring the ball extremely well averaging 74.6 points on 45.2% shooting from the floor and have averaged 84.5 looking over the last two outings. Defensively Northwestern has been just as strong holding opponents to 63.8 points per game after allowing just 62 points per game in their last two games. Stay in the action with our College Basketball Picks.

Nick Martinelli leads the Northwestern offense this season averaging 20.2 points and 5.8 rebounds per game. Brooks Barnnhizer has averaged 20.1 points per game this season for Northwestern but has played just nine times. Jalen Leach is third on the team averaging 14.1 points to go along with the team leading 2.3 assists.

The Penn State Nittany Lions come into Thursday rolling this season with eleven wins and two losses overall riding the three-game winning streak. Offensively Penn State has been dominant this season averaging 88.2 points on 50.4% shooting from the floor. Defensively Penn State has been elite holding opponents to 67 points per game overall and have given up an average of 60.3 points per game during their three-game winning streak.

Ace Baldwin Jr. lead the Penn State offense this season averaging 14.8 points and 8.6 assists per game. Big man Yanic Konan Niederhauser is second on the team averaging 13.5 points go along with a team high 6.6 rebounds. Zach Hicks averages 12 points and Nick Kern Jr. chips in 11.8 points per game. Puff Johnson is the 5th Penn State player in double digits this season averaging 10.6 points in just under 24 minutes per game.

Both teams are playing good basketball coming into this matchup, but Penn State will have the edge. Look for the Nittany Lions to control this game on both sides of the ball they do the work to get the win. Take Penn State to extend their winning streak Thursday night with a home win and cover against Northwestern. Final Score Prediction, Penn State Nittany Lions win and cover 76-68.