In an exciting college basketball matchup, the Oklahoma State Cowboys will face the Northwestern Wildcats on November 27, 2025, during the CBS Sports Thanksgiving Classic in Chicago, Illinois. The game is scheduled for tip-off at 10:30 p.m. ET and can be viewed on Peacock.
Northwestern enters the game as a favorite by 2.5 points, with a moneyline of -140. The total points are set at 160.5, indicating an anticipated high-scoring affair.
Oklahoma State has made a strong impression so far this season, starting the year 6-0 under head coach Steve Lutz. The Cowboys have showcased their fast-paced style, averaging an impressive 93.2 points per game, which ranks as the 16th highest in the nation. This scoring surge can largely be attributed to a blend of new talent, including key guard transfers Vyctorius Miller, Jaylen Curry, and Anthony Roy, who collectively average 46.3 points per game. Lutz has effectively utilized his bench, ranking sixth in bench minutes, which reflects his strategy to maintain high energy throughout the game.
Defensively, Oklahoma State allows nearly half of their opponents’ shots from beyond the arc but has successfully limited opposing shooters to just 29.2% from three-point range thus far.
On the other hand, Northwestern holds a record of 5-1, with their recent games tending to be tightly contested. They secured a narrow victory against DePaul, faced a close five-point loss to Virginia, and clinched a tight win against South Carolina, thanks to a last-second basket by Arrinten Page.
The Wildcats have a contrasting style compared to the Cowboys, applying a defensive strategy that slows down the pace of the game, forcing opponents into the slowest average tempo nationally. They have also excelled offensively, boasting a strong turnover rate and shooting an impressive 41.9% from three-point land. Northwestern’s offense is driven by its core players: Nick Martinelli, Arrinten Page, and Jayden Reid, who have all played pivotal roles in their scoring efforts.
As the game approaches, one significant factor will be Oklahoma State’s ability to speed the game up against Northwestern’s disciplined defense. The Cowboys may face challenges without forward Robert Jennings II, potentially leaving their inside game vulnerable.
Given these dynamics, the prediction leans toward Northwestern covering the spread at -2.5, aiming to capitalize on their steady play and effective scoring options. As both teams gear up for this exciting matchup at the United Center, basketball fans can expect a thrilling encounter filled with competitive energy and strategic gameplay.