Game Preview Northern Illinois Huskies @ Austin Peay Governors
The Northern Illinois Huskies travel to take on the Austin Peay Governors on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at 8:00 PM ET. This non-conference clash at F&M Bank Arena in Clarksville, TN, features two teams capable of putting up points in bunches. Austin Peay is listed as the -7.5 favorite, while the Huskies enter as a live underdog behind their red-hot shooting.
Northern Illinois is coming off an impressive 76-59 road win over Loyola Chicago. Dylan Ducommun poured in 24 points on 64.3% shooting, while Makhai Valentine added 17 points and 9 boards. The Huskies now sit at 3-3 overall and are one of the nation’s best shooting teams from deep, ranking 17th at 41.6% from three.
Austin Peay, meanwhile, enters 3-2 following a hard-fought 84-75 loss to Tulsa. Collin Parker led the Governors with 14 points and continues to be a key scoring option alongside Tate McCubbin and Zyree Collins. Austin Peay has been solid at home and averages 79.3 points per game, with the ability to stretch the floor and get others involved.
With two fast-paced, offensively capable squads, this matchup could come down to who makes the key stops late.
Odds and Key Information
| Category | Advantage |
|---|---|
| Three-Point Shooting | Northern Illinois |
| Assist Rate | Austin Peay |
| Scoring Depth | Even |
| Home Court | Live odds via NCAAB odds and scores |
| Recent Momentum | Northern Illinois |
Northern Illinois Huskies Outlook
Northern Illinois has been one of the best shooting teams in the nation through six games. Averaging 80.5 points per game and hitting 41.6% of their threes, the Huskies have built an identity around efficient shot-making and perimeter spacing.
Dylan Ducommun leads the charge and is coming off a 24-point effort, while Makhai Valentine has emerged as a do-it-all threat with scoring, rebounding, and defense. This duo is supported by a solid backcourt that limits turnovers and capitalizes on open looks.
Their recent win over Loyola Chicago proved they can win away from home. They’ll need to keep the offensive rhythm and match the Governors’ physicality to have a shot at another road upset.
Austin Peay Governors Outlook
Austin Peay is also averaging north of 79 points per game and features a balanced scoring attack. Zyree Collins, Collin Parker, and Tate McCubbin form a capable trio that can score and create for others. The Governors rank top 100 in three-pointers made per game and boast 16 assists per contest, showing their willingness to move the ball.
Despite a loss to Tulsa, Austin Peay showed fight and led for stretches. Their defense will need to tighten up against a Northern Illinois team that can get hot from deep. Protecting the perimeter and controlling the boards will be key.
At home, Austin Peay is 1-0 this season and looks to stay perfect on its floor.
Betting Trends
- Northern Illinois is 4-2 ATS this season
- Huskies are 3-1 ATS as underdogs
- Austin Peay is 3-2 ATS overall
- The over is 4-2 in Northern Illinois games
- Austin Peay games have gone over in 3 of 5 contests
Get real-time updates and model picks at NCAAB picks
Prediction
This matchup projects to be closer than the spread indicates. Northern Illinois’s elite three-point shooting and recent momentum give them a solid chance to stay within the number. Austin Peay has a strong home-court advantage but will need to limit outside shooting and second-chance points to avoid being upset.
Expect a high-scoring, back-and-forth contest with the Huskies keeping it competitive throughout.
Projected Score: Austin Peay 78, Northern Illinois 75
Pick: Northern Illinois +7.5
Total Lean: Under 146.5
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