Northern Iowa vs Belmont Prediction 1-1-25 College Basketball Picks

In this article, we will formulate a Northern Iowa vs Belmont prediction for this College Basketball game on Wednesday, January 1st at the McLeod Center in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this College Basketball matchup.

Northern Iowa Panthers Betting Preview

The Northern Iowa Panthers are 8-5 (2-0) this year after they defeated Southern Illinois by a score of 78-67 in their last game. Northern Iowa led 38-34 at halftime and added 40 points in the second half in the win. The Panthers shot 55.8% from the field, 41.2% on three-pointers, and 76.5% on free throws in the game. Jacob Hutson led Northern Iowa with 20 points and one rebound, while Tytan Anderson added 15 points and 10 rebounds in the game.

Prior to that win, the Panthers lost to Washington State by a score of 76-68 but did win the four games before that. Northern Iowa has won five of their last six games, which is a very solid improvement from their 3-4 start to the year. Northern Iowa has scored 78.0 points per game and they have allowed 66.4 points per game, while also averaging 32.9 rebounds and 15.7 assists per game this season. Jacob Hutson is averaging 13.7 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game, while Tytan Anderson is averaging 13.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game this season. Northern Iowa is shooting 52.3% from the field, 71.7% on free throws, and 39.8% on three-pointers this year. 

Belmont Bruins Betting Preview

The Belmont Bruins are 9-4 (1-1) this season after they lost to Drake by a score of 65-46 in their last game. Belmont trailed 39-21 at halftime and only managed to score 25 points in the second half in the loss. The Bruins shot 37.5% from the field, 38.5% on three-pointers, and 68.8% on free throws in the game. Sam Orme led Belmont with 11 points and four rebounds, while Brody Peebles added 10 points and one rebound in the game. 

Prior to that loss, the Bruins lost to UC Irvine by a score of 92-84 but did win the previous five games. Belmont also has losses against Furman and Loyola Marymount this year, but they did win their first conference game against Illinois State by a score of 99-97. Belmont has scored 81.2 points per game and they have allowed 77.8 points per game, while also averaging 34.8 rebounds and 17.8 assists per game this season. Jonathan Pierre is averaging 12.7 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game, while Isaiah Walker is averaging 12.0 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game this season. Belmont is shooting 47.8% from the field, 70.9% on free throws, and 38.1% on three-pointers this year. 

Why Northern Iowa will beat Belmont

• Northern Iowa has won each of its last 12 night games at McLeod Center.
• Belmont has lost three of its last four road night games against the Missouri Valley Conference.
• Northern Iowa has won the first half in each of its last six night games at McLeod Center.

Northern Iowa vs Belmont Prediction 

Northern Iowa comes into this matchup after winning five of their last six games, and they will be at home for this contest. The Panthers have started conference play with two straight wins and they are looking to stay undefeated here. Belmont was just blown out by Drake in their last game and while they do have a very high-scoring offense, they struggle to get stops on defense. The Bruins are allowing 77.8 points per game this year and will be facing a Northern Iowa team that is shooting over 52% from the field. I think Northern Iowa is going to score well into the 80’s here and while Belmont should be able to keep pace for a while, eventually the UNI defense will get stops. Take the Panthers here.