Oregon Ducks vs Northwestern Wildcats Picks and Prediction for Saturday, February 28, 2026
Use Code PPWC
Oregon heads to Welsh-Ryan Arena for a Big Ten matchup against Northwestern on Saturday afternoon. The Ducks are 11-17 overall and 4-13 in conference play, currently tied for 14th in the Big Ten standings. Northwestern is 12-16 overall and 4-13 in league action, also 14th in the conference race. With both teams looking to gain late-season momentum in a crowded bottom of the standings, this matchup carries important conference tournament seeding implications. Cash in a winner with our free college basketball picks.
Game Information
- Date: Saturday, February 28
- Time: 2:00 PM ET
- Location: Welsh-Ryan Arena, Evanston, IL
- TV: BTN
Oregon Ducks Preview
Oregon averages 71.6 points per game while allowing 74.1 and shooting 43.0% from the field. Nate Bittle leads the Ducks in scoring with an average of 16.9 points, while grabbing 6.9 rebounds and making 2.0 blocks per contest, giving Oregon a consistent interior presence at both ends. Kwame Evans Jr. adds 13.0 points and a team-high 7.1 rebounds per game, while Takai Simpkins contributes 12.6 points as another scoring option. The Ducks average 14.1 assists and 34.7 rebounds per contest, but commit 12.0 turnovers. Oregon has won three of its last four games entering this matchup, though defensive miscues have been a problem throughout conference play.
Injury Report: Devon Pryor is a game-time decision, while Ege Demir and Jackson Shelstad are out for the season.
Key Stats – Per Game
- Points: 71.6
- Points Allowed: 74.1
- Rebounds: 34.7
- Assists: 14.1
- Steals: 6.2
- Blocks: 4.1
- Turnovers: 12.0
Northwestern Wildcats Preview
Northwestern averages 74.1 points per game while allowing 72.9 and shooting 45.7% from the field. Nick Martinelli has been one of the most productive scorers in the Big Ten, averaging 22.6 points and 6.1 rebounds per contest while shooting 50.5% overall and 43.2% from three-point range. Jayden Reid adds 9.8 points and a team-high 4.8 assists per game, while Arrinten Page contributes 10.4 points and 4.6 rebounds to help with scoring by the frontcourt. The Wildcats average 17.1 assists and just 8.6 turnovers per game, giving them a clear edge in turnovers compared to Oregon. Northwestern has also been steadier defensively at home this season.
Sign Up Get $30 Premium Picks Credit + Exclusive Offers
Subscribe Now
Injury Report: Northwestern does not have any players listed on its injury report.
Key Stats – Per Game
- Points: 74.1
- Points Allowed: 72.9
- Rebounds: 31.6
- Assists: 17.1
- Steals: 5.6
- Blocks: 3.8
- Turnovers: 8.6
Oregon vs Northwestern Prediction
Both teams sit tied near the bottom of the Big Ten standings, but Northwestern’s shooting and ability to protect the basketball give the Wildcats the advantage at home. Martinelli is the most reliable scorer on the floor, and the Wildcats’ ball control will help build a lead late in the game. Oregon has shown recent improvement, but defensive mistakes and turnover issues remain concerns in this matchup. Final Score Prediction: Northwestern Wildcats win and cover ATS, 76-70.
Betting on College Basketball?
- Join Picks and Parlays premium for free and get a free $30 coupon with code FREE30
- Get started and wager on college hoops today with our favorite online sportsbooks
- Claim a CBB betting bonus offer with the best sportsbook promos
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
New Users – Bet $5 Get $200 in Bet Reset Tokens for 5 Days
New DraftKings Customers: Spend $5+ Get $200 in Bonuses Instantly!
Best Picks
- Northwestern Wildcats
- Under
