Northwestern is back in action today, taking on No. 8 Nebraska at home. The game will tip off at around 3:00 p.m. CST.

The 'Cats are coming off another difficult loss, this time at the hands of in-state rival Illinois. The Illini had to deal with a clearly motivated Chris Collins-coached group in front of a packed house at Welsh-Ryan, but it wasn't quite enough to make up for the talent gap.

Now, still winless in conference play and under .500 in total for the first time since 2022, this Wildcat team has some work to do. Postseason aspirations may be dashed, barring a miraculous winning streak, but the 'Cats can still make some noise the rest of the way. None of these conference losses have been completely out of hand.

Nebraska, meanwhile, is undefeated and having arguably its best season in program history. The 'Huskers come into this one after crushing Oregon at home by a score of 90-55.

Pryce Sandfort, who you might remember from Iowa in previous years, is Nebraska's leading scorer, averaging 16.4 points per game. The 'Huskers have a very balanced attack with four players in double-figures, something the 'Cats have lacked all year.

Winning this game is a long shot, for sure, but Northwestern just hung with Illinois for 40 minutes. As per usual, it's going to come down to Nick Martinelli. Despite his 20 points on Wednesday, the Illini did a solid job doubling him and shutting him down.

If he can get loose a little more often against Nebraska, that would be huge for the 'Cats. 

They could also use a repeat performance from point guard Jayden Reid, who finished with 25 earlier this week. There's been no word yet on if Collins will continue to bring Reid off the bench and start freshman Jake West, but the results of the experiment against Illinois seemed positive.

The 'Cats are in the midst of a difficult stretch in their schedule, heading out west to take on USC and UCLA after this game. If they don't get their first conference W today, the pressure will be on in California.

Northwestern Wildcats (8-9, 0-6 B1G) vs. No. 8 Nebraska Cornhuskers (17-0, 6-0 B1G)

Location: Welsh-Ryan Arena | Evanston, Illinois

Tipoff: Saturday, Jan. 17, 2025 at 3:00 p.m. CT

TV: BTN

Radio: WGN AM 720

Line: Nebraska -4.5

Northwestern OUT:

Nebraska OUT: