NJIT Highlanders vs Penn Quakers Prediction, 12/31/2025 College Basketball Picks, Best Bets & Odds

Game: NJIT Highlanders vs Penn Quakers

Date: Wednesday, December 31, 2025

Location: The Palestra in Philadelphia, PA

TV: ESPN+

The Palestra is the site where the Penn Quakers (6-5) will attempt to defeat the NJIT Highlanders (4-9) on Wednesday.

The NJIT Highlanders stepped onto the hardwood against Butler and took a loss by a final of 101-52 in their last contest. NJIT finished with a 37.5% FG percentage (21 out of 56) and converted 5 out of their 19 three-point shots. From the free throw line, the Highlanders made 5 of 11 shots for a rate of 45.5%. Pertaining to grabbing rebounds, they collected 19 with 2 of them being on the offensive end. They also recorded 8 assists in the game while forcing the other team into 8 turnovers and getting 3 steals. In relation to defending, NJIT allowed the other team to go 55.7% from the floor on 34 of 61 shooting. Butler distributed 22 dimes and had 7 steals in the matchup. Furthermore, Butler totaled 43 rebounds (10 offensive, 33 defensive), but didn't notch a rejection. Butler finished 75.0% at the free throw line by converting 24 of 32 shots. They buried 9 of 24 attempts from distance. In relation to personal fouls, the Highlanders ended up with 25 and Butler accounted for 15 personal fouls.

Sebastian Robinson is one player who was a contributor in the game. He finished shooting 41.2% from the floor and totaled 4 assists. He was on the hardwood for 27 minutes and snagged 1 rebound. He ended up with 15 points on 7 out of 17 shooting.

Get all of our NCAA Picks Tonight

NJIT steps onto the court with a record of 4-9 for the season. They average 62.2 points per outing (359th in the country) while shooting 37.3% from the field. The Highlanders are hitting 30.8% on shots from 3-point land (106 of 344) and 68.5% from the free throw line. As a team, NJIT is pulling in 33.3 rebounds per contest and has accumulated 136 assists for the season, which has them ranked 349th in Division 1 in terms of passing the rock. They are turning it over 14.5 times per contest and as a team they are committing 18.4 personal fouls every game.

When they are on the defensive end, the Highlanders are able to force 10.1 turnovers per contest while drawing 16.8 personal fouls. They currently rank 307th in college hoops in giving up assists with 199 relinquished so far this year. The Highlanders defense is giving up a FG percentage of 43.9% (362 of 825) and they relinquish 42.5 boards per game as a team. They are giving up 32.7% from beyond the arc and they are 315th in college hoops in PPG allowed (79.3).

When they last stepped on the court, the Penn Quakers took a loss by a final score of 70-69 when they faced Rutgers. When discussing rebounding, Penn permitted Rutgers to pull down 26 in all (6 on the offensive side). They went 15.0% from 3-point land by going 3 of 20 and ended up going 21 out of 31 at the charity stripe (67.7%). The Quakers permitted Rutgers to make 23 out of 56 tries from the field which gave them a rate of 41.1% for this contest. When the game finished, the Quakers ended up shooting 23 out of 54 from the field which had them shooting 42.6%. With respect to shots from distance, Penn converted 5 of their 21 tries (23.8%). They were able to make 18 of them for a rate of 72.0%. Rutgers committed 17 fouls in the game which took the Quakers to the charity stripe for 25 tries. They also turned the ball over 14 times, while recording 1 steal in this contest. The Quakers were able to pull down 29 defensive boards and 9 offensive boards for a total of 38 for the game.

TJ Power ended up being important for the Quakers for the game. He made 7 of 16 for this contest for a rate of 43.8%, and added 13 rebounds. He had 19 points in his 37 minutes on the hardwood and added 2 assists in this matchup.

Penn has a win-loss record of 6-5 for the year. When it comes to offensive execution, the Quakers are connecting on 44.3% from the floor, which has them ranked 251st in the nation. Penn has accounted for 861 pts this year (78.3 per contest) and they average 38.6 rebounds per game. They are dishing out assists 15.1 times per contest (148th in the country) and they turn it over 12.4 times per game. The Quakers are committing 17.0 fouls per contest and they connect on 69.5% from the charity stripe.

The Quakers defensively are ranked 275th in college hoops in points per game surrendered with 77.2. They have forced 11.5 turnovers per game and allow teams to shoot 44.3% from the field (230th in college). The Penn defense allows 32.0% on three-point shots (91 of 284) and their opponents are connecting on 71.1% of their foul shots. They surrender 14.8 dimes and 36.5 rebounds on a nightly basis, which ranks them 276th and 273rd in the nation.

Who will win tonight's NCAA game against the spread?

Tony Sink's Pick: Take Penn

Get $60 worth of FREE premium member picks. No Obligation. No Salesman. No Credit Card. Fast Sign up with Instant Access Click Here

Get college basketball picks on every single game, or if you want our very best bets by the experts, sign up for your free $60 account with a guarantee.