Washington Huskies vs Northwestern Wildcats Picks and Prediction for Saturday, January 31, 2026

By: Jake Allman Published 01/31/2026, 12:10 AM ET

Washington and Northwestern meet Saturday night at Welsh-Ryan Arena with both programs trying to stop slides in Big Ten play. Washington enters at 11-10 overall and 3-7 in conference action, coming off a 75-66 road loss at Illinois. Northwestern sits at 10-11 overall and 2-8 in the Big Ten, but momentum is slightly better after a 94-73 home win over Penn State. Tip-off is set for 8:00 PM ET on BTN, and ESPN Analytics gives Northwestern a 61.3 percent chance to win. Slam dunk your bets with our College Basketball picks.

Washington Preview

Washington has struggled to find consistency over the last two weeks, dropping four of the last five games. The Huskies average 78.4 points per game while allowing 73.3, numbers that reflect a team capable of scoring but prone to lapses when the pace slows. Zoom Diallo leads Washington with 14.9 points per game and adds 3.9 assists, giving the offense a steady playmaker in half-court sets. Washington shoots 45 percent from the field and pulls down 38.1 rebounds per game.

Rebounding has been a relative strength for Washington compared to most Big Ten opponents, but recent road games show issues closing possessions. The Huskies allowed 76 or more points in three of the last four losses, including 82 against Michigan and 80 against Michigan State. Washington also averages 6.6 made three-pointers per game, slightly below what Northwestern typically concedes. That margin matters in a road environment where shooting accuracy usually dips.

Northwestern Preview

Northwestern enters with renewed confidence after Nick Martinelli erupted for 34 points against Penn State. Martinelli leads the Wildcats at 24.0 points per game and adds 6.7 rebounds while shooting 55.1 percent from the field. Hannes Steinbach complements him with 17.4 points and a team-high 11.3 rebounds per game, giving Northwestern a reliable inside presence. The Wildcats average 77.3 points per game and allow 71.8.

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Ball movement has been a key separator for Northwestern, averaging 18.4 assists per game compared to Washington’s 13.9. Jayden Reid leads the Wildcats with 5.3 assists, and that distribution showed up clearly in the Penn State win. Northwestern is 7-4 at home this season, while Washington is 3-7 against Big Ten competition overall.

Northwestern vs Washington Prediction

The matchup points toward a competitive first half before Northwestern’s shot-making and assist advantage take over. Washington can hang around with rebounding, but Martinelli’s scoring and Steinbach’s presence inside should tilt the game late. Northwestern earns a needed conference win at home.

Best Picks:Northwestern moneyline Under the total Projected score: Northwestern 78, Washington 71

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