Northwestern vs Iowa Prediction 2/28/25 College Basketball Picks Today

In this article, we will formulate a Northwestern vs Iowa prediction for this College Basketball game on Friday, February 28th at Welsh-Ryan Arena in Evanston, Illinois. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this College Basketball matchup.

Northwestern Wildcats Betting Preview

The Northwestern Wildcats are 15-13 (6-11) this year after they defeated Minnesota by a score of 75-63 in their last game. Northwestern led 36-31 at halftime and held Minnesota to just 32 points in the second half in the win. The Wildcats shot 49.1% from the field, 50% on three-pointers, and 62.5% on free throws in the game. Nick Martinelli led Northwestern with 29 points and five rebounds, while Ty Berry added nine points and seven rebounds in the win. 

Prior to that victory, the Wildcats defeated Ohio State by a score of 70-49 but lost to Nebraska by a score of 68-64 before that. Northwestern has lost three of their last five games and they are currently 13th in the Big Ten standings with a 6-11 record. Northwestern has scored 73.5 points per game and they have allowed 69.4 points per game, while also averaging 34.2 rebounds and 14.5 assists per game this season. Nick Martinelli is averaging 20.1 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game, while Ty Berry is averaging 10.2 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game this year. Northwestern is shooting 44.4% from the field, 73.3% on free throws, and 33.7% on three-pointers this season. Northwestern will meet UCLA after this game. 

Iowa Hawkeyes Betting Preview

The Iowa Hawkeyes are 15-13 (6-11) this season after they lost to Illinois by a score of 81-61 in their last game. Iowa trailed 37-30 at halftime and allowed 44 points in the second half for the blowout loss. The Hawkeyes shot 42.1% from the field, 33.3% on three-pointers, and 77.8% on free throws in the game. Brock Harding led Iowa with 16 points and four assists, while Josh Dix added 11 points and four rebounds in the game. 

Prior to that loss, the Hawkeyes defeated Washington by a score of 85-79 but did lose to Oregon by a score of 80-78 before that. Iowa has lost six of their last eight games and they are currently tied with Northwestern in the Big Ten standings with a 6-11 record. Iowa has scored 83.1 points per game and they have allowed 79.5 points per game, while also averaging 32 rebounds and 18.3 assists per game this season. Payton Sandfort is averaging 16.4 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game, while Josh Dix is averaging 14.1 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game this year. Iowa is shooting 49% from the field, 70.5% on free throws, and 37.8% on three-pointers this season. 

Why Northwestern will beat Iowa

• Northwestern has won 17 of its last 18 night games at Welsh-Ryan Arena.
• Iowa has lost eight of its last nine road games.
• Iowa has lost the first half in each of its last nine road games against non-AP-ranked opponents.

Total Points Facts

• Twelve of Northwestern’s last 13 games at Welsh-Ryan Arena have produced a total of 151 or fewer points.
• Nine of Iowa’s last 11 road games have produced a total of 157+ points.

Northwestern vs Iowa Prediction 

Both of these teams come into this game with 6-11 records and they are fighting to make the Big Ten Tournament, so this game is big for both sides. Iowa has lost three of their last four games, but they are shooting 49% from the field this season. The Hawkeyes offense has been a little inconsistent at times this year, but their defense has been bad pretty much all season. Northwestern is dealing with a few key injuries, but they have won two games in a row. The Northwestern defense has played well in their last two games, as they have allowed 63 and 49 points, and I am backing them in this spot. Neither team has been very consistent this year, but I can’t back this Iowa defense on the road, where they have allowed 81+ points in seven of their last eight games. Take the Wildcats here.