Penn State Nittany Lions vs Northwestern Wildcats Picks and Predictions January 2nd 2025

Northwestern and Penn State Aim to Keep Momentum in Big Ten Matchup

After strong finishes to 2024, Northwestern and Penn State will look to start the new year with a bang when they clash Thursday night in a Big Ten showdown in University Park, Pa.

Northwestern: Riding a Wave of Confidence

The Wildcats (10-3, 1-1 Big Ten) closed the calendar year with four straight wins, including an impressive overtime victory against then-No. 19 Illinois. Their most recent outing was an emphatic 85-60 win over Northeastern on Sunday, fueled by a hot-shooting performance from Ty Berry, who drilled five 3-pointers en route to a season-high 23 points.

Coach Chris Collins sees Berry’s resurgence as a potential turning point: “Hopefully this is a springboard for him, because we need him.”

Another standout was Brooks Barnhizer, who delivered an all-around masterpiece with 22 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists, and five steals. His versatility and ability to make an impact in multiple facets of the game have been a cornerstone of Northwestern’s recent success.

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With a 9-2 nonconference record under their belt, the Wildcats now turn their attention to the grind of Big Ten play, where every win is critical.

Penn State: Balanced Attack and Home Dominance

The Nittany Lions (11-2, 1-1) bring a well-rounded squad to the matchup, featuring standout playmakers and a deep roster. They extended their winning streak to three games with an 86-66 victory over Penn on Sunday, despite an uncharacteristic night from beyond the arc (4-for-18).

Dynamic point guard Ace Baldwin Jr. led the way with 23 points and 10 assists, continuing to showcase why he’s one of the conference’s most impactful players. Big man Yanic Konan Niederhauser added a dominant 19 points and 15 rebounds, highlighting Penn State’s inside-out attack.

Coach Mike Rhoades praised his team’s cohesion: “When we’re connected and we’re on all cylinders, we could be pretty good. But the hardest thing with 18- to 22-year-olds is consistency, and that’s our goal.”

Penn State boasts an unblemished 8-0 home record, and their ability to protect their home court will be crucial as they dive deeper into Big Ten competition.

Key Matchup: Barnhizer vs. Baldwin Jr.

The game could come down to the performance of each team’s star. Barnhizer has been a steady presence for Northwestern, while Baldwin Jr. is the engine driving Penn State’s offense. Both players can take over a game, and their duel will likely dictate the outcome.

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Recent History: Northwestern Narrowly Edged Penn State in 2023

Northwestern swept last season’s meetings, with two close victories decided by four and five points, respectively. In their last trip to Penn State, Barnhizer delivered a then-career-high 23 points to help the Wildcats secure a 76-72 win, snapping a five-game losing streak in the series.

What to Watch For

• Consistency for Penn State: Coach Rhoades has emphasized avoiding lapses, particularly in league play. Can the Nittany Lions put together a full 40-minute effort?
• Northwestern’s 3-point shooting: Berry’s hot hand was pivotal in their last win. Will he and the Wildcats continue to excel from deep against a solid Penn State defense?

Prediction

Both teams enter this matchup on a roll, but Penn State’s home-court advantage and Baldwin Jr.’s ability to orchestrate the offense give the Nittany Lions a slight edge. Expect a competitive battle that goes down to the wire.