| MATCHUP | Northern Illinois Huskies | Northern Iowa Panthers |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 2-2 | 3-0 |
| Spread | +19.5 -105 | -19.5 -115 |
| Moneyline | +1400 | -3200 |
| Total | Over 147.5 (-110) | Under 147.5 (-110) |
| Where | McLeod Center, Cedar Falls, IA | |
| When | Tuesday, November 18, 2025 | |
| Time | 08:00 PM EST | |
| TV | ESPN+ | |
The Northern Illinois Huskies and the Northern Iowa Panthers meet Tuesday in college basketball action from McLeod Center. Here’s a Northern Illinois vs Northern Iowa prediction. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best Northern Illinois vs Northern Iowa pick. We will examine the recent form and player performances for both teams, as well as the recent betting trends and streaks pertaining to this matchup. As we conclude, we will tie it all together with a summary that produces a sensible pick for a favorable betting outcome in this game.
Northern Illinois Huskies Betting Preview
The Huskies have four games in the bag so far. Northern Illinois’ opener was November 3 at home versus LA-Monroe and the Huskies went into the break with a seven-point lead. After 57 more points from there Northern Illinois had a win 102-82. Both Gustav Winther (18 points; 10 rebounds) and Gianni Cobb (14 points; 10 assists) doubled up. In game two NIU went to Wisconsin and ended up losing pretty badly at Kohl Center 97-72. JJ Taylor topped the team this time with 17 points, and Jao Ituka had 13 points with five boards. The Huskies lost another one in their third outing versus Grand Canyon 88-59 on November 10. In that matchup NIU’s Daemar Kelly had 12 points and three assists to lead the way.
Game four versus Benedictine turned into a 117-62 blowout win for the Huskies. The team’s leading scorer in that one was Daemar Kelly with 18 points, and Makhai Valentine added 17 points with seven rebounds. Both Taj Waters and Hassan Washington chipped in five rebounds and 13 points each in the victory effort for the Huskies.
Northern Iowa Panthers Betting Preview
Over on the Northern Iowa side, they’ve only played three games so far this season. In their opener versus Cal State Northridge, Northern Iowa went into halftime with a 46-32 edge. After 40 more points from there the Panthers had an 86-57 win in the books. Leon Bond was the team’s leading scorer with 23 points, five assists and two rebounds. Ben Schwieger (five rebounds) and Trey Campbell (seven assists; six rebounds) each scored 13 points in the win. In their second outing versus South Dakota State on November 9, the Panthers had a 28-25 halftime lead. Northern Iowa kept going in the second half with a 37-33 run and bagged the win 65-58. Tristan Smith topped the team this time with his 16 points, four rebounds and four assists. Will Hornseth chipped in 12 points with two assists and four rebounds as well.
In game three back on Friday versus Furman, the Panthers were able to keep their run going. Northern Iowa was up by 12 points at halftime, then hit a 34-30 run the rest of the way in a 70-54 win in the end. Tops in scoring was Trey Campbell with 18 points and three assists, while Ben Schwieger had 14 points with two assists. Both Tristan Smith (seven rebounds; three assists) and Leon Bond (six rebounds) had 13 points apiece in the victory effort.
Northern Illinois Huskies @ Northern Iowa Panthers Betting Trends: November 18, 2025
Why the Northern Iowa Panthers will win
- Northern Iowa has won 19 of its last 20 night games at McLeod Center.
- Northern Illinois has lost 17 of its last 18 road games.
- Northern Illinois has lost the first half in each of its last six games against the Missouri Valley Conference.
Why the Northern Illinois Huskies will win
- Northern Illinois has won three of its last four night games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
Northern Illinois vs Northern Iowa Prediction
I’ll lean toward Northern Iowa. The Panthers are looking pretty good so far through relatively limited action. In Friday’s win over Furman, Northern Iowa shot pretty well on 46.3 percent from the field and 14-of-17 (82.4 percent) from the line alongside 29 rebounds and just seven turnovers. The Panthers got outscored slightly in the paint 34-30 but overall it was a pretty strong effort against a struggling Paladins team. Northern Iowa has scored 70 or more points in two of their three outings so far this year. If they can hit that number again on Tuesday the Panthers will be in good shape.