Northwestern vs. Binghamton Preview: How to Watch, Injury Report & Odds

Northwestern men's basketball is finally back as the Wildcats officially begin their 2026-27 season Monday night against the Binghamton Bearcats at Welsh-Ryan Arena.

The Wildcats enter the regular season looking to put their two exhibition losses behind them after falling 70-64 to Illinois State before suffering a 94-59 defeat against No. 18 Iowa State.

While the results were not what Northwestern hoped for, the exhibition games gave the team an opportunity to evaluate its new-look roster and prepare for the challenges ahead.

Second-year guard Jake West was one of the bright spots for the Wildcats, leading the team in scoring in both exhibition matchups. Northwestern will need contributions from its returning players and several newcomers as the roster continues to develop chemistry.

Head coach Chris Collins now enters his 14th season in Evanston, looking to guide the Wildcats back toward a competitive position in the Big Ten. With 11 newcomers, including eight transfers, Northwestern has plenty of new pieces to work into the rotation as it begins another campaign.

Binghamton presents the first opportunity for the Wildcats to see how those pieces come together in a regular-season setting. Northwestern will have the benefit of opening at home and is expected to control the matchup, entering as a 22.5-point favorite.

The Wildcats will look to take care of business, build early momentum and start the season with a win before continuing their opening stretch at Welsh-Ryan Arena.

Here's everything you need to know ahead of Monday night's season opener:

Matchup: Northwestern Wildcats vs. Binghamton Bearcats

Location: Welsh-Ryan Arena | Evanston, Illinois

Date: Monday, Nov. 2, 2026

Time: 7 p.m. CT

Streaming: B1G+

Radio: WGN Radio 720 AM

Current key lines:

Point Spread:

Northwestern -22.5 (-110)

Binghamton +22.5 (-110)

Over/Under: 146.5

Over: -110

Under: -110

Lines and odds via FanDuel / DraftKings. Odds are subject to change.

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Northwestern Wildcats

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Binghamton Bearcats

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