No. 7 Northwestern (21-11) is set to take on No. 10 Boise State (24-9) in a game that projects to be close. This will be Northwestern’s second appearance in the tournament, while Boise State is back for the second year in a row.
The Wildcats are coming into the tournament on a cold streak, having lost four of their last five games. The Broncos are a battle-tested team having played in a tough Mountain West Conference, while the Wildcats have an impressive win against Purdue this year.
Northwestern is a short favorite in a matchup that can truly go either way.
Read on for my Northwestern vs Boise State prediction and best bets.
Northwestern vs Boise State Odds
Note: CBB odds mentioned in this article for Team vs Team were used from DraftKings Sportsbook, unless otherwise noted, and are current as of March 13 at 5 p.m. EST.
- Moneyline: Northwestern (-125) | Boise State (+105)
- Point Spread: Northwestern -1.5 (-110) | Boise State +1.5 (-110)
- Over/Under: Over 128 Points (-115) | Under 128 Points (-105)
Northwestern vs Boise State Best Bet
Keep reading for more Northwestern vs Boise State betting tips.
Northwestern vs Boise State Prediction
Boise State 67, Northwestern 63
Boise State (31st overall) is the second-highest ranked 10-seed in the tournament, per Pomeroy’s rankings. The Broncos are ahead of teams like No. 7 Michigan State and No. 4 Virginia.
That’s higher than Northwestern (42nd overall), who is the second-lowest ranked 7-seed in the tournament. The main mismatch here is Boise State’s 14th-ranked defense against the 109th-ranked Northwestern offense.
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Northwestern vs Boise State Best Bets
Northwestern vs Boise State: 1st Half Under 59 Points (-115) | DraftKings Sportsbook
WAGER: 1 Unit
These are two of the better defensive teams in the tournament, with Northwestern (13th) and Boise State (14th) each grading well in Pomeroy’s rankings.
It also helps that the Wildcats (109th) and Broncos (78th) have struggled on offense. Both of these teams haven’t experienced much success in this tournament, so we could see nerves take over, especially in the early stages of the game.
That bodes well for the first half Under in this spot.
Boise State +1.5 (-110) | DraftKings Sportsbook
WAGER: 1 Unit
Boise State has some depth on their team, with five players averaging 10 or more points this season. They have impressive wins over San Diego State, Utah State, and Nevada on their resume.
Northwestern had a big win against No. 1 Purdue earlier in the year, but they come into the tournament having lost four of their last five.
This looks like a game that could come down to the wire, so it’s a good idea to take the points in this one.
Northwestern vs Boise State Same Game Parlay
Northwestern vs Boise State SGP (+140) | DraftKings Sportsbook
WAGER: 1 Unit
- Boise State +5.5 (-200)
- Under 132.5 Total Points (-180)
This projects as a close game between two stout defensive teams, which means that teasing four points on the teaser and total feels like a safe play for this Same Game Parlay.
