Nebraska Cornhuskers vs Northwestern Wildcats Picks and Prediction for Saturday January 17 2026
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On Saturday, the Nebraska Cornhuskers (17-0) face off against the Northwestern Wildcats (8-9) at Welsh-Ryan Arena in Evanston, Illinois. This game will air on the Big Ten Network. Keep up to date with all the NCAAB action, with our College Basketball predictions.
Nebraska vs. Northwestern Game Information
- January 17, 2026
- 4:00pm EST
- Welsh-Ryan Arena
- Big Ten Network
Northwestern Form & Recent Results
Northwestern heads into this game trying to snap a tough four-game losing streak, having dropped four out of their last five matchups. In their most recent contest, a 79-68 conference loss to Illinois, Jayden Reid stood out with a big performance, putting up 28 points for the Wildcats. Nick Martinelli has been Northwestern's main offensive weapon so far this season, leading the team with an impressive average of 23.8 points per game. Arrinten Page has been a reliable secondary scorer, chipping in an average of 13.6 points each night. Martinelli also tops the team in rebounding, pulling down an average of 6.6 boards per game. When it comes to facilitating the offense, Jayden Reid has been the go-to playmaker, averaging 5.5 assists this season. The Wildcats have struggled defensively lately, giving up an average of 75.2 points to their opponents over their last five games. Northwestern is still searching for their first conference win and will be looking to turn things around when they host Nebraska on Saturday.
Nebraska Form & Recent Results
Nebraska heads into this game ranked 8th in the latest AP Poll, riding the momentum of a perfect start, as they’ve won all seventeen games so far this season. In their most recent game, the Cornhuskers put on a dominant performance at home, cruising to a 90-55 victory over Oregon. Pryce Sandfort was the star of the night, pouring in 28 points to lead the team. Sandfort has been Nebraska’s top scorer throughout the season, averaging 16.4 points per game. Right behind him is Rienk Mast, who’s been another key contributor on offense with an average of 15.5 points. Mast has also been Nebraska’s go-to player on the boards, leading the team with an average of 6.4 rebounds per game. When it comes to setting up his teammates, Sam Hoiberg has been at the forefront, dishing out an average of 4 assists each game. Nebraska’s offense has been clicking lately. Over their last five games, they’ve averaged 77.8 points. The team is eager to keep their undefeated streak alive and pick up another important conference win as they travel to Evanston to take on Northwestern.
Key Players
- Nebraska’s Rienk Mast this season: 15.5 points, 6.4 rebounds per game
- Northwestern’s Nick Martinelli this season: 23.8 points, 6.6 rebounds per game
Betting Odds & Market Overview:
- NEB -5.5; O/U 148.5
Nebraska vs. Northwestern Picks and Prediction
The Cornhuskers are enjoying a fantastic start to their season, boasting a flawless 17-0 overall record and remaining undefeated at 6-0 in Big Ten matchups. Next up, they’ll travel to Evanston to take on the Northwestern Wildcats. Northwestern has had a tough run so far, as they haven’t managed to claim a single Big Ten victory this season, and given their current form, their wait for a win might continue a bit longer. Final Score Prediction, Nebraska Cornhuskers win and cover the spread, 78-72.
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