Northern Illinois Huskies vs Buffalo Bulls Picks and Predictions for Tuesday, February 17, 2026

The Northern Illinois Huskies will be on the road Tuesday night with the game inside the Alumni Arena in Buffalo, NY, at 6:30 PM against the Buffalo Bulls, and we have you ready to roll with our Northern Illinois vs Buffalo prediction. Northern Illinois has struggled this season, with only eight wins through 24 games entering this matchup. Buffalo has fifteen wins and 10 losses as they return home Tuesday night. Northern Illinois has lost three of the last four, including two in a row, following a 42-point road loss last time out. The Buffalo Bulls have been mediocre as of late after losing 3 of their last five, following a 10-point road victory in their last outing to end a three-game skid.  Read more about this Northern Illinois vs Buffalo prediction! Struggling with handicapping? Try our NCAAB Predictions!

Northern Illinois tries to end the losing streak

Offensively, Northern Illinois is averaging 71 points on 41% shooting from the floor this season, but the Huskies have averaged only 53 points per game over their last three losses. Defensively, Northern Illinois is allowing 76.5 points per game this season through 24 games played. Offensively, Northern Illinois was terrible in its last outing, scoring only 46 points on 27% shooting. Defensively, the Huskies were overwhelmed, allowing 88 points on 63% shooting. Northern Illinois lost the rebounding battle by 6 and turned the ball over 17 times in the loss. Makhai Valentine led the way for the Northern Illinois offense with 13 points and 6 rebounds on nine shots.

Makhai Valentine leads the Northern Illinois offense this season, averaging 14 points per game. Dylan Ducommun is second on the team with 11.8 points in just over 30 minutes per game. JJ Taylor averages a third-best 8.7 points, but he has played just three times. Gianni Cobb averages 8.5 points and leads the team, dishing out four assists per game. Taj Walters is averaging 8.2 points to go along with the team’s leading 5.4 rebounds per game.

Key Injury Report for Northern Illinois:

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Buffalo looks for consecutive wins

The Buffalo Bulls have scored the ball well this season, averaging 78.6 points on 40% shooting from the floor. Defensively, Buffalo is allowing 74.8 points per game this year, but gave up an average of 83 points per game during their recent three-game losing streak. Defensively, Buffalo returned to form in their last outing, giving up 53 points on 35% shooting and 33% from beyond the arc. Offensively, Buffalo was the better team, scoring 63 points on 44% shooting, and the Bulls knocked down 6 triples in the game. Buffalo won the rebounding battle by three and forced 13 turnovers to seal the victory. Tim Oboh led the way for the Buffalo offense against Ball State with 20 points and eight rebounds on 10 shots.

Daniel Freitag leads the Buffalo offense this season with 20 points and 3.9 assists. Ryan Sabol averages 18 points, and Angelo Brizzi is averaging 12.9 points per game this season. Big man Noah Batchelor averages 7 points and leads Buffalo this season, averaging 4.7 rebounds per game.

Key Injury Report for Buffalo:

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Northern Illinois vs Buffalo Pick

• Northern Illinois vs Buffalo Spread Pick

Despite the recent issues, Buffalo is the far better team in this matchup, and it will show from the opening minutes Tuesday night. The Bulls are better on both ends of the floor and will use their edge to get the job done. Northern Illinois is one of the worst teams in the conference and will continue its struggles in this matchup. Take Buffalo to set the tone early as they do the job to get the win and cover at home against the low-average Northern Illinois team.

• Northern Illinois vs Buffalo Over/Under Pick

Both teams score well, and that will continue Tuesday night, along with two strong offenses; each team is weak on defense. Expect an offensive smoke show Tuesday night as both teams desperately hunt a win. Take the over on Tuesday night in Buffalo as the Northern Illinois Huskies visit the Buffalo Bulls.