Michigan Wolverines (8-18) vs. Northwestern Wildcats (18-8)
February 22, 2024 9:00 pm EDT
The Line: Northwestern Wildcats -11.5; Over/Under: +141.5
(Get latest betting odds)
The Michigan Wolverines and the Northwestern Wildcats meet in college basketball action from the Welsh-Ryan Arena on Thursday night. Who comes out on top in Thursday’s Big Ten clash? Let’s dive in and find out with our Michigan vs. Northwestern Prediction.
Michigan Team Preview
The Michigan Wolverines come into this one looking to snap a three-game losing streak after a 73-63 loss to Michigan State last time out. Dug McDaniel leads the Wolverines in scoring and assists with 16.6 PPG along with 4.6 APG while Olivier Nkamhoua has 14.8 PPG with a team-high 7.2 RPG and 2.7 APG to lead the Wolverines on the glass this season. Terrance Williams II has 12.4 PPG with 4.3 RPG to cap off the scoring in double figures for Michigan up to this point in the year. Nimari Burnett has 9.5 PPG with 4.3 RPG and Tarris Reed Jr. also has 9.1 PPG with 7.2 RPG as well on the year. As a team, Michigan is averaging 75.2 PPG on 45.3% shooting from the field, 36.2% from three and 71% from the foul line this season. Michigan will play against Purdue after this game.
More College Basketball Picks: Gonzaga vs Portland Prediction!
Northwestern Team Preview
The Northwestern Wildcats come into this one looking to build on a 76-72 win over Indiana last time out. Boo Buie leads the Wildcats in scoring and assists with 19 PPG and 5.2 APG while Brooks Barnhizer has 14.1 PPG with a team-high 6.9 RPG to lead the Wildcats on the glass. Ryan Langborg has 12.2 PPG with 3.1 RPG and 2.6 APG while Ty Berry has 11.6 PPG and 3.9 RPG to cap off the scoring in double figures for Northwestern so far this season. As a team, Northwestern is averaging 74.4 PPG on 45.7% shooting from the field, 39.2% from three and 73.6% from the foul line this season.
Michigan vs. Northwestern Prediction
I’m on Northwestern here. Michigan is still without Dug McDaniel for this one as he continues to serve his road suspension but that doesn’t change the fact that Michigan’s struggled in his absence. Northwestern’s had some ups and downs, but they’re the better team here and I expect Michigan’s issues to continue in this game. Give me Northwestern big.
