The Nebraska Cornhuskers (17-0, 6-0) will face off against the Northwestern Wildcats (8-9, 0-6) in a highly anticipated Big Ten basketball matchup on January 17, 2025, at 4 PM at Welsh-Ryan Arena in Evanston, Illinois. This game marks the first meeting of the season between the two programs, both of which have a competitive history filled with close contests and dramatic finishes.
The rivalry has seen Northwestern win 13 of the 22 meetings between the teams, particularly excelling during the late 2010s and early 2000s. However, Nebraska took the last contest, winning 68-64 on February 18, 2025. In that game, the Huskers overcame a 20-point deficit, outscoring the Wildcats 47-28 in the second half.
Currently, Nebraska stands as one of the three unbeaten teams in the nation, marking the best start in the program’s history. They share this impressive record with the Purdue Boilermakers as the only undefeated teams in conference play. In contrast, Northwestern is grappling with a challenging season, having lost four consecutive games.
The Cornhuskers recently demonstrated their strength with a commanding 90-55 victory over the Oregon Ducks. Junior Pryce Sandfort leads Nebraska’s offense, averaging 16.4 points per game, and he notably scored 28 points against Oregon. Freshman forward Branden Frager also made a significant contribution, adding 23 points and leading the team in rebounds with 4.1 per game.
Northwestern’s Challenges and Key Players
Despite their struggles this season, Northwestern has shown potential, particularly in their ball movement, ranking seventh in the Big Ten for assists. The Wildcats have been effective at home, holding a 6-3 record in front of their fans, but they will need to step up to compete against the formidable Cornhuskers.
Sophomore Nick Martinelli has been Northwestern’s standout player, averaging 23.7 points and six rebounds per game. While he has been consistent, the Wildcats will require additional scoring support from teammates such as Arrinten Lage and Jayden Reid to have a chance against Nebraska. Freshman Jake West could also play a pivotal role if given the opportunity to contribute from beyond the arc.
As the teams prepare for this clash, the atmosphere at Welsh-Ryan Arena promises to be electric, with passionate Wildcats fans eager to support their team. The matchup is poised to be a thrilling contest, showcasing the intensity of college basketball and the storied rivalry between Nebraska and Northwestern.
Prediction: Northwestern edges Nebraska with an 82-80 victory, a testament to their fighting spirit and home-court advantage.
