Nebraska Cornhuskers vs. Penn State Nittany Lions Prediction and Betting Tips

The Nebraska Cornhuskers and Penn State Nittany Lions are set to face off in a thrilling Big Ten Conference matchup on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, at the Bryce Jordan Center in University Park, Pennsylvania. With both teams looking to improve their standings, this game promises to be a closely contested battle. In this article, we’ll dive into the latest predictions, betting odds, and key insights to help you make informed decisions for this exciting college basketball showdown.

Game Overview

• Date: Wednesday, February 19, 2025
• Time: 6:30 PM ET
• Location: Bryce Jordan Center, University Park, Pennsylvania
• TV Channel: Big Ten Network
• Live Stream: Fubo (Regional restrictions may apply)

The Penn State Nittany Lions (13-13, 3-12 Big Ten) are looking to snap a seven-game losing streak, while the Nebraska Cornhuskers (17-9, 7-8 Big Ten) aim to solidify their position in the conference standings. Both teams have had mixed performances this season, making this matchup a must-watch for college basketball fans.

Betting Odds and Spread

Here’s a breakdown of the latest betting odds for the game:

• Spread: Nebraska -1.5 (favored)
• Moneyline: Nebraska -120, Penn State +100
• Total Points (Over/Under): 148.5

The Cornhuskers are slight favorites, but the narrow spread indicates that oddsmakers expect a tightly contested game. The over/under of 148.5 points suggests a moderately high-scoring affair, which aligns with both teams’ offensive tendencies.

Key Betting Insights

Nebraska Cornhuskers

• Against the Spread (ATS): 15-11-0 this season, with a 10-7 record when favored by 1.5 points or more.
• Offensive Performance: Nebraska averages 75.8 points per game (131st in the nation) but has been more effective at home, scoring 80.9 points per game compared to 70.2 on the road.
• Defensive Performance: The Cornhuskers allow 71.3 points per game (174th in the nation) and have been solid defensively, holding opponents to 41.9% shooting.

Penn State Nittany Lions

• Against the Spread (ATS): 10-15-0 this season, with a 4-4 record as 1.5-point underdogs.
• Offensive Performance: Penn State scores 79.5 points per game (57th in the nation) but has struggled recently, averaging just 71.2 points over their last 10 games.
• Defensive Performance: The Nittany Lions allow 73.5 points per game (236th in the nation) and have been vulnerable to three-point shooting, with opponents hitting 35.3% from beyond the arc.

Player Spotlight

Nebraska Cornhuskers

• Brice Williams: The team’s leading scorer, averaging 19.5 points per game. He’s also a key playmaker with 2.9 assists per game.
• Juwan Gary: A consistent performer, averaging 13.6 points and 4.7 rebounds per game. Over the last 10 games, he’s stepped up with 16.9 points per contest.
• Connor Essegian: A sharpshooter from beyond the arc, averaging 2.3 three-pointers per game at a 39.7% clip.

Penn State Nittany Lions

• Adrian Baldwin Jr.: The team’s leader in points (14.0) and assists (7.2) per game. He’s also a defensive force with 2.1 steals per game.
• Yanic Konan Niederhauser: A dominant presence in the paint, averaging 12.2 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per game.
• Zach Hicks: A reliable three-point shooter, hitting 2.4 threes per game at a 39.7% rate 1.

Prediction and Betting Tips

Score Prediction

• Predicted Score: Nebraska 76, Penn State 75

This game is expected to be a nail-biter, with Nebraska edging out Penn State by a single point. The Cornhuskers’ slightly better defensive performance and recent form give them the edge, but Penn State’s home-court advantage could play a significant role.

Betting Tips

1. Against the Spread (ATS): Take Nebraska -1.5. The Cornhuskers have a strong ATS record this season and have covered the spread in 10 of their 17 games as favorites.
2. Over/Under: Bet on the Over (148.5). Both teams average a combined 155.3 points per game, which is 6.8 points higher than the total set for this matchup.
3. Moneyline: Consider Nebraska at -120. Their 82.4% win rate as moneyline favorites this season makes them a safer bet.

Final Thoughts

The Nebraska Cornhuskers vs. Penn State Nittany Lions matchup is shaping up to be one of the most exciting games of the Big Ten season. With both teams fighting for crucial conference wins, this game could come down to the wire. Whether you’re a fan or a bettor, keep an eye on the key players and trends outlined above to make the most of this thrilling contest.

For more in-depth analysis and updates, check out the latest odds and insights on platforms like BetMGM, SportsLine, and FOX Sports. Remember to gamble responsibly and enjoy the game!