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Buffalo Bulls vs Northern Illinois Huskies Picks and Predictions – December 31, 2025
MAC play gets rolling with Buffalo visiting Northern Illinois at the NIU Convocation Center. Tipoff is scheduled for 1:00 PM ET on Wednesday, December 31, 2025. Buffalo enters at 7–6 and has been trending up offensively. Northern Illinois, sitting at 3–10, continues to struggle on both ends — especially with defensive rebounding and shot selection.
Buffalo opened as a 6.5-point road favorite (-108), while NIU is catching +6.5 (-113). The Bulls are priced at -250 on the moneyline with the Huskies at +200. The total is 152.5, which suggests books expect pace and scoring from both sides.
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Buffalo Bulls vs Northern Illinois Huskies Odds
These are the current betting lines. Make sure to follow the latest college basketball odds for real-time updates and potential late-market moves.
| Team | Moneyline | Spread | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Buffalo | -250 | -6.5 (-108) | O 152.5 (-110) |
| Northern Illinois | +200 | +6.5 (-113) | U 152.5 (-110) |
Buffalo Bulls Betting Form
Buffalo’s strength lies in scoring versatility. They’ve found rhythm from three-point range over the past five games, averaging 9+ makes per contest during that stretch. Their tempo is slightly above average, and they’ve been moving the ball more effectively, especially in second halves.
Defensively, it’s still inconsistent. Buffalo can be caught over-helping or giving up offensive boards, but against weaker frontcourts, they’ve been fine. On the road, their efficiency dips a bit — but NIU doesn’t apply the kind of pressure that typically exposes that.
For a deeper breakdown, visit the Buffalo stats and results, and check any last-minute lineup changes on the Buffalo injury report.
Northern Illinois Huskies Betting Form
Northern Illinois has dropped four of their last five and has one of the worst defensive efficiency ratings in the MAC. They’re allowing over 78 PPG and don’t have a reliable rim protector. Offensively, the Huskies are better — they play at a decent pace, shoot a fair volume of threes, and occasionally get hot from outside. But when that doesn’t happen, they don’t generate enough easy points.
They’re also turnover-prone. Ball security and poor rebounding have led to double-digit losses against teams with physical guards or active bigs — both of which Buffalo brings to the table. Home-court has offered little protection so far this season, with NIU 2–5 SU in DeKalb.
Explore the Northern Illinois schedule and stats and stay current on player statuses via the Northern Illinois injury report.
Buffalo Bulls vs Northern Illinois Huskies Matchup Breakdown
This sets up well for Buffalo to control tempo and flow. NIU plays fast, but they don’t force turnovers or defend the perimeter — two things that usually keep road teams in check. If Buffalo can stay consistent from three and protect the ball, they should be in position to cover.
Key matchup insights:
Buffalo ranks top 75 in 3P attempts per game
NIU allows 37% shooting from deep and struggles to close out
Turnover edge favors Buffalo (NIU averaging 14.1 TO per game)
Pace should push toward the Over if both teams shoot decently
If this turns into a shot-making contest, Buffalo has more options and better late-game control. NIU will need a big night from deep just to stay within range.
Want to improve your game flow reads? Our college basketball betting guide covers tempo analytics and efficiency splits to help sharpen matchup predictions.
Buffalo Bulls vs Northern Illinois Huskies Predictions and Best Bets
Buffalo might not be elite, but they’re a tier above NIU — and the line reflects that. The Bulls are the sharper, more balanced team, and their offense has improved steadily. NIU lacks the defensive tools to slow them down unless Buffalo goes cold from deep.
As for the total, 152.5 is reasonable. There’s a path to the Over if both teams get clean looks and avoid foul trouble. Still, the better value is laying the points with Buffalo.
Best Bet: Buffalo -6.5 (-108)
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