Northwestern vs Indiana Prediction College Basketball Picks 2/18/24

The Northwestern Wildcats will play the Indiana Hoosiers in a Big Ten game on Sunday afternoon at Assembly Hall in Bloomington, Indiana. Northwestern has won two of their last three games, while Indiana has alternated wins and losses over their last five games. Let’s take a look at the betting matchup and the Northwestern vs Indiana prediction.

Northwestern Preview

The Northwestern Wildcats are 17-8 (8-6) this year after they lost to Rutgers by a score of 63-60 in their last game. Northwestern led 34-27 at halftime, but they were out scored 36-26 in the second half in the loss. The Wildcats shot 36% from the field and were +3 in rebounding margin in the game. Northwestern defeated Penn State by a score of 68-63 and Nebraska by a score of 80-68 in the two games prior to Rutgers. The Wildcats shot 74.3 points per game with 31 rebounds per game and 15.9 assists per game, while allowing 69.5 points against per game this year. Boo Buie is averaging 19.2 points per game, 3.6 rebounds per game, and 5.2 assists per game. Northwestern is shooting 46.2% from the field, 73.2% on free throws, and 39.4% on three pointers this season. 

Indiana Preview

The Indiana Hoosiers are 14-10 (6-7) this season after they lost to Purdue by a score of 79-59 in their last game. Indiana trailed 37-25 at halftime and they allowed 42 points in the second half in the loss. The Hoosiers shot 41.8% from the field and were -15 in rebounding margin in the game. Indiana defeated Ohio State by a score of 76-73 in the game prior to Purdue, but lost to Penn State before that. The Hoosiers are scoring 73 points per game with 34.9 rebounds per game and 14.7 assists per game, while giving up 74.4 points against per game this season. Malik Reneau is averaging 16 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game. Indiana is shooting 47.3% from the field, 66.4% on free throws, and 32.8% on three pointers this year. 

Northwestern vs Indiana Betting Prediction

Indiana comes into this matchup after alternating wins and losses in their last five games, which would mean they are due for a victory here. The Hoosiers have really struggled defensively this season, allowing over 74 points against per game. Northwestern is 8-6 in conference play, but they are 0-5 in their last five road games. I do think Northwestern is the better team in this matchup on a neutral court, but I can’t trust them on the road. Take Indiana at home. 

David Racey's Pick: Indiana ML