Earning a win and covering the posted point spread will be the goals for Northwestern when they take on the Penn State Nittany Lions on Friday in college basketball betting odds action.
Sportsbook Odds & Computer Pick
The Northwestern Wildcats were listed as 5-point underdogs at many online sportsbooks, including the odds makers at Sportsbook.
Northwestern Wildcats vs Penn State Nittany Lions Matchup
Team Betting Records & Power Rankings
The Penn State Nittany Lions bring a 11-5 record (6-5-1 ATS) to this tilt against the 10-6 Wildcats, who are 6-8 ATS. Those OVER/UNDER betting have witnessed Penn State go 3-9 so far and the Northwestern Wildcats go 6-8.
According to new college basketball power rankings here at Odds Shark, it's the No. 29-ranked Penn State Nittany Lions and the No. 67-rated Northwestern Wildcats in this matchup.
Statistical Matchup
Scoring and defensive stats point to some betting edges in this matchup. The game features Penn State's No. 95-ranked scoring average of 77.81 PPG, against a Northwestern Wildcats defense rated No. 62 and allowing 67 PPG. The Penn State Nittany Lions FG% has averaged 46.49% to date this season, more than the Northwestern Wildcats shooters have managed so far (43.83% per game).
Recent Outings Betting Recap
Northwestern got 17 points from Dererk Pardon but lost anyway, 70-55, to Nebraska on Tuesday at Allstate Arena.
The Nittany Lions got 17 points from Mike Watkins, but it was Maryland that prevailed in a 75-69 final on Tuesday at Xfinity Center.
Next Betting Matchups
Northwestern home to Minnesota, Wednesday, January 10th
Penn State at Indiana, Tuesday, January 9th