Northwestern vs Jackson State Prediction Basketball Picks 12-29-23

The Jackson State Tigers and the Northwestern Wildcats meet Friday in college basketball action from Welsh-Ryan Arena. Jackson State is coming off a loss to Gonzaga in their last appearance, dropping the Tigers to 4-8 overall. As for Northwestern, they’re 9-2 overall so far after a win over Arizona State last week. Let’s get into our Jackson State vs. Northwestern prediction. Check back all season long for free college basketball picks at Sports Chat Place.

Jackson State Tigers 

The Tigers only managed to win two of their first nine games this year, taking losses to Memphis, San Diego, California Baptist, Loyola Marymount, Tulsa, Georgetown and Houston along the way. Jackson State was able to get consecutive wins over Howard and North Carolina A&T in the next pair. 

Back on December 20 versus Gonzaga, the Tigers faced a tough matchup. Jackson State fell behind 41-29 by the break and didn’t get any closer after giving up 59 more points in a 100-76 defeat. Leading the way in scoring was Ken Evans with 25 points and 10 boards, while Chase Adams put up 14 points and five assists. 

Northwestern Wildcats 

Over on the Wildcats’ side, they were able to win seven of their first eight games outside of a loss to Mississippi State. Northwestern otherwise took out Binghamton, Dayton, Western Michigan, Rhode Island, Northern Illinois, Purdue and Detroit in that time. After a loss to Chicago State, the Wildcats would beat DePaul in their next outing. 

Northwestern kept it going with another victory versus Arizona State last Wednesday. In that one the Wildcats took a 36-13 lead into the second half and cruised to the 65-46 finish. Boo Buie led the way on 22 points and seven boards, while Ty Berry doubled up on 12 points and 10 rebounds. 

ANDREW’S FREE JACKSON STATE VS NORTHWESTERN PREDICTION 

I’ll probably just stay with Northwestern in this one. The Wildcats are coming off a lopsided win over Arizona State, shooting 47.3 percent from the field and 40.9 percent (9-of-22) from outside in the 19-point win. Northwestern has allowed just 46 points in each of their last two games, but they haven’t cracked the 65-point mark in either of those either. 

As for Jackson State, they haven’t been playing too badly lately despite facing some tough squads. The Tigers have hit 68 or more points in six of their last seven games, so Northwestern is going to have to step on the gas offensively in order to keep Jackson State at bay in this one. I think the Wildcats will pull it off in the end.