Belmont Bruins vs Northern Iowa Panthers NCAA Basketball Betting Pick & Prediction 1/1/25

Looking to win big? The Bruins and Panthers face off at 9:00 ET on ESPN+. The Panthers are hosting the game at McLeod Center in Cedar Falls, IA. This Missouri Valley conference matchup has an over/under of 153.5 points, and Northern Iowa is favored to win by -6.5 at home vs. Belmont.

BELMONT BRUINS VS NORTHERN IOWA PANTHERS BETTING PICK

The Pick: Northern Iowa Panthers -6.5

This game will be played at McLeod Center at 9:00 ET on Wednesday, January 1st.

WHY BET THE NORTHERN IOWA PANTHERS:

• We have this one finishing with a projected score of 78-69 in favor of the Panthers.
• Not only will Northern Iowa pick up the win, but look for them to cover at -6.5.
• The over/under is currently sitting at 153.5 points, and we like the under with a projected 147 points.

Can the Bruins Offense Score Enough in Cedar Falls?

Belmont’s season record dropped to 8-4 after a 65-46 road loss to Drake on Sunday. The Bruins entered the game as +8.5 point underdogs and failed to cover the spread. The total points for the game were 111, well below the O/U line of 140.5.

Belmont struggled early, falling behind 39-21 at halftime. They managed to score 25 points in the 2nd half while allowing 26, but it wasn’t enough to mount a comeback.

Belmont’s offense struggled in their last game, putting up just 46 points with a field goal percentage of 37.5% (15/40). Their effective field goal percentage was 45%, and they hit 5 of 13 threes, shooting 38.5% from deep. Inside the arc, they connected on only 37% of their two-point attempts (10/27).

Bennett Stirtz led the way with 20 points, shooting 50% from the field, though he missed all 3 of his three-point attempts. Daniel Abreu added 15 points, hitting 3 of 9 from beyond the arc, while Sam Orme contributed 11 points, making 4 of 6 shots overall.

Belmont’s defense gave up 65 points in their last game, with their opponents shooting 47% from the field. Inside the arc, Belmont allowed 18 two-point baskets on 32 attempts, a 56% shooting rate.

From three-point range, Belmont’s defense held their opponents to 6 made threes on 19 attempts, or 31% shooting. The Bruins also sent their opponents to the free-throw line 15 times, where they converted 11 shots for a 73% free-throw percentage. Belmont allowed 9 offensive rebounds.

Will the Panthers Find a Way to Win at Home?

Northern Iowa Panthers Recent Game

Northern Iowa improved to 7-5 on the season with a 78-67 home win over Southern Illinois on Sunday, December 29th. The Panthers, who entered the game as -10.5 favorites, covered the spread with the victory. The total points for the game were 145, just under the O/U line of 147.5.

Leading 38-34 at halftime, Northern Iowa scored 40 points in the 2nd half while holding Southern Illinois to 33 points.

Northern Iowa’s offense was clicking in their last game, putting up 78 points on 55.8% shooting from the field. Their effective field goal percentage was an impressive 61.5%, with a strong 62.9% shooting inside the arc and 41.2% from three-point range.

Jacob Hutson and Jarrett Hensley each scored 20 points, with Hutson shooting 70% from the field in just 23 minutes. Tytan Anderson added 15 points and 10 rebounds, hitting 6 of 7 shots.

Despite Northern Iowa’s defensive struggles, allowing 67 points on 55% shooting, they managed to limit the damage from beyond the arc, giving up just 7 threes on 17 attempts (41%).

The Panthers also sent their opponents to the free-throw line 17 times, where they converted 13 (76%). Northern Iowa gave up 8 offensive rebounds in the game.