Northwestern Wildcats vs Indiana Hoosiers Prediction, Odds and Picks for Today, 02/24/26

Perception is built on contrast in records and location, but the matchup context suggests the gap may be overstated. Indiana is a strong home team (13-2 SU in Bloomington), yet the spread assumes IU will create clean separation against a Northwestern group (who has only won two games on the road) that plays a very specific style: low turnover, half-court execution, and possession control. The Wildcats rank among the best nationally at taking care of the ball, which is a critical trait for underdogs trying to stay within range.

The situational angle also favors the points. Indiana is coming off a lopsided loss to Purdue, and teams in bounce-back spots often focus first on stabilizing rather than extending margin. Meanwhile, Northwestern enters off a confidence-building win over Maryland, shooting efficiently and sharing the ball well, a sign their offense is capable of functioning when the pace is controlled. There’s also a mathematical element. With the total around 147, this projects as a moderate-scoring Big Ten game. This kind of environment naturally favors underdogs because each trip carries more weight and long scoring runs are harder to generate. Indiana will likely win, but covering here requires sustained separation. Northwestern’s ball security and discipline make that a tough ask, so let’s take the Wildcats on the road.

Northwestern vs Indiana prediction: Northwestern +9 (-110) available at time of publishing. Playable at that number.

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