Northern Illinois Huskies vs Miami (OH) RedHawks Picks and Predictions for Saturday January 31, 2026

By: Kim Smith Published 01/31/2026, 04:50 AM ET

Northern Illinois heads to Oxford, Ohio on Saturday afternoon to take on Miami (OH) at Millett Hall. Tipoff is scheduled for 3:30 PM, and the game will be broadcast on ESPN+. Miami (OH) enters this MAC matchup as a heavy 17.5-point home favorite, with the total set at 156.5 points. The moneyline odds were not released at the time of this writing. Before placing any wagers, be sure to check out our free college basketball picks for more daily betting insight.

Huskies Trying to Compete on the Road

The Northern Illinois Huskies come into this matchup with a 7-13 overall record and have struggled to find consistency this season. In their last five games, the Huskies have wins over Western Michigan and Massachusetts, along with losses to Ball State, Ohio, and Eastern Michigan. That recent stretch reflects a team that can flash offensive potential but has had difficulty sustaining success, especially away from home.

Northern Illinois is averaging 73.6 points per game while allowing 76.1 points per contest. They shoot 43 percent from the field and average 36.7 rebounds per game, giving them some presence on the glass. However, their offense has been uneven, and they average just 13.1 assists per game, often relying on isolation scoring.

Defensively, Northern Illinois has struggled to protect the rim, averaging only 1.6 blocks per game. While they are active defensively with 6.5 steals per game, breakdowns in half-court defense have made it difficult to slow down high-powered offenses.

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RedHawks Dominating the MAC

The Miami (OH) RedHawks enter Saturday’s contest with a perfect 21-0 record and have been one of the most explosive offensive teams in the country. In their last five games, Miami (OH) has wins over Massachusetts, Kent State, Buffalo, Central Michigan, and Toledo, including multiple overtime victories. That stretch highlights a team that can score in bunches and respond well in high-pressure situations.

Miami (OH) is averaging an eye-catching 94.1 points per game while allowing 75.1 points per contest. They shoot 54 percent from the field, one of the most efficient marks in the nation, and average 17.4 assists per game, showing excellent ball movement. Their offensive balance makes them difficult to defend for a full 40 minutes.

What truly separates Miami (OH) is offensive efficiency and pace. With four games in their last five topping 86 points, the RedHawks can overwhelm opponents quickly, especially at home. Their ability to score inside and out forces teams to pick their poison defensively.

Northern Illinois Huskies vs Miami (OH) RedHawks Pick

Miami (OH) -17.5

I’m backing Miami (OH) minus the points in this matchup. The RedHawks’ offensive firepower and efficiency give them a massive edge against a Northern Illinois team that has struggled defensively all season. At home, Miami (OH) should be able to push tempo early and build a comfortable lead.

Northern Illinois Huskies vs Miami (OH) RedHawks Total Pick

Over 156.5

I’m taking the over in this game. Miami (OH) regularly pushes games into the 80s and 90s, and Northern Illinois has shown enough scoring ability to contribute. With the RedHawks’ pace and efficiency, this matchup sets up well to clear the total.

Final Score Prediction:

Miami (OH) RedHawks 95, Northern Illinois Huskies 78

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