Minnesota vs Northwestern Picks and Predictions for Saturday, January 3, 2026

By: Cameron Ross Published 01/03/2026, 04:30 AM ET

Minnesota vs Northwestern Information

The Minnesota Golden Gophers will be on the road Saturday afternoon for a conference matchup in Evanston, IL, against the Northwestern Wildcats. Minnesota has eight wins and five losses this season, coming into Saturday having won four of the last five, including three in a row here. The Northwestern Wildcats stay home Saturday with eight wins and five losses after winning three of the last five, following a 20-point loss in their previous outing. Stay in the news with our College Basketball Picks.

Minnesota Preview

The Minnesota Golden Gophers offense has been solid this season, averaging 72.7 points on 46% shooting from the floor. Defensively, Minnesota has allowed 64.8 points per game this season through 13 games played, but gave up 85 points in its most recent loss. Cade Tyson leads the Minnesota offense this season with 21.9 points per game. Jaylen Crocker-Johnson is 2nd on the roster, averaging 13.2 points to go along with the team’s leading 7.5 rebounds. Isaac Asuma averages 9.8 points and leads Minnesota, dishing out 4.6 assists per game.

Northwestern Preview

Offensively, Northwestern has been one of the better teams in its conference, averaging 80.5 points on 49% shooting from the floor. Defensively, Northwestern has been elite as well, holding opponents to 69.5 points per game through 13 games played. Nick Martinelli leads the Northwestern offense this season, averaging 22.8 points per game. Arrinten Page is second on the roster, averaging 14.7 points to go along with a team-leading 6.8 rebounds. Jayden Reed averages 11 points and leads the team, averaging 5.3 assists per game.

Minnesota vs Northwestern Prediction

Both teams have had some early-season success, but Northwestern will have the edge. The Wildcats are winless in conference play and will be on the hunt for their first victory against a Big Ten opponent in this game. Look for Northwestern to use its potent offense and home fans Saturday night to do the job and get the win and cover at home against Minnesota. Final Score Prediction, Northwestern Wildcats win and cover 73-65.

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