Northern Iowa vs Drake Prediction 2/23/25 College Basketball Picks Today

In this article we will formulate a Northern Iowa vs Drake prediction for this College Basketball game on Sunday, February 23rd 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 19-9 (13-4) this year after they defeated Belmont by a score of 82-75 in their last game. Northern Iowa trailed 44-37 at halftime, but they scored 45 points in the second half for the comeback win. The Panthers shot 50% from the field, 33.3% on three pointers, and 45.5% on free throws in the game. Tytan Anderson led Northern Iowa with 27 points and nine rebounds, while Ben Schwieger added 17 points and 10 rebounds in the win. 

Prior to that game, the Panthers defeated Murray State by a score of 74-67 and Indiana State by a score of 88-73. Northern Iowa has won six games in a row and they are currently second in the MVC standings with a 13-4 record. Northern Iowa has scored 75.1 points per game and they have allowed 67.8 points against per game, while also averaging 33.1 rebounds and 14.2 assists per game this season. Tytan Anderson is averaging 15.4 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game, while Jacob Hutson is averaging 11.6 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game this year. Northern Iowa is shooting 49.7% from the field, 69.8% on free throws, and 37.4% on three pointers this season.

Drake Bulldogs Betting Preview

The Drake Bulldogs are 24-3 (14-3) this season after they defeated UIC by a score of 74-57 in their last game. Drake led 45-28 at halftime and they were able to maintain that lead in the second half for the win. The Bulldogs shot 48.1% from the field, 35.3% on three pointers, and 72.7% on free throws in the game. Bennett Stirtz led Drake with 25 points and seven assists, while Cam Manyawu added 12 points and eight rebounds in the game. 

Prior to that win, the Bulldogs lost to Bradley by a score of 61-59, but did beat Illinois State by a score of 84-77 before that. Drake has won 12 of their last 13 games and they are currently first in the MVC standings with a 14-3 record. Drake has scored 71.3 points per game and they have allowed 59.2 points against per game, while also averaging 30.3 rebounds and 13.6 assists per game this season. Bennett Stirtz is averaging 18.7 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 6.1 assists per game, while Daniel Abreu is averaging 11.1 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 1.0 steal per game this year. Drake is shooting 49.4% from the field, 70.6% on free throws, and 36.9% on three pointers this season. 

Why Northern Iowa will beat Drake

• Northern Iowa has won each of its last six games.
• Northern Iowa has won the first half in 15 of its last 18 games at McLeod Center against non-AP-ranked opponents.

Why Drake will beat Northern Iowa

• Drake has won 12 of its last 13 games.
• Drake has won the first half in 11 of its last 12 games against the Missouri Valley Conference.

Northern Iowa vs Drake Prediction 

Northern Iowa rolls into this matchup on a six game winning streak and they will be at home for this game. The Panthers are shooting 49.7% from the field this year and they have scored 74+ points in three straight games. Drake is currently leading the MVC standings with a 14-3 record, but they did lose to Bradley two games ago. The Bulldogs are shooting 49.4% from the field this season and they have been elite defensively, allowing just 59.2 points against per game this year. Drake won the first meeting with Northern Iowa by a score of 66-52, but I think we are going to see more points in this game, as both offenses are rolling. Take the over here.