Quick Picks with Coach Rick Bowe, CBB Picks, CBB Free Picks, CBB Predictions 2/11/26

Quick Picks with Coach Rick Bowe, CBB Picks, CBB Free Picks, CBB Predictions 2/11/26

PENN STATE @ WASHINGTON (WASH -12.5, 155.5)

CBB ODDS, CBB PREDICTIONS, CBB PREVIEWS

COACH RICK CBB PREVIEWS

NITTANY LIONS @ HUSKIES 2/11/26

The Washington Huskies (12-12, 4-9 Big Ten) host the Penn State Nittany Lions (10-14, 1-12 Big Ten) tonight at Alaska Airlines Arena. This matchup represents a critical opportunity for Washington to capitalize on the soft portion of their Big Ten schedule against a Penn State squad that has struggled significantly on the road. The Nittany Lions are currently enduring a seven-game road losing streak.

Washington enters as a heavy double-digit favorite, backed by superior efficiency metrics and a significant home-court advantage. While both teams have struggled to find consistency in conference play, the statistical mismatch—particularly regarding Penn State's defensive vulnerabilities—suggests a high-scoring affair dominated by the Huskies.

The most glaring discrepancy in this matchup is Penn State's defense. Ranking 248th in Adjusted Defensive Efficiency and 327th in Effective FG% defense, the Nittany Lions allow opponents to shoot efficiently from almost everywhere on the floor. Washington, ranking 51st defensively, possesses the discipline to force Penn State into difficult shots, which has been a recurring theme during the Nittany Lions' 1-12 conference start.

Washington is in a prime must-win spot. Coach Danny Sprinkle has been vocal about the team needing a breakthrough and facing a Penn State team that allows 79.6 points per game (319th nationally) is the perfect recipe. Penn State is 1-14 as an underdog this season and has failed to cover in several recent road spots, including a lopsided loss to Michigan. Washington's defense (83rd in eFG%) should stifle a Penn State offense that relies heavily on Freddie Dilione V (14.5 PPG) and Kayden Mingo (13.4 PPG).

Penn State’s defensive struggles are well-documented, but they do possess an offense capable of scoring in bursts, ranking 75th in Adjusted Offensive Efficiency. Washington’s Wesley Yates III (13.8 PPG) and Hannes Steinbach (17.5 PPG, 11.2 RPG) are poised for big nights against a Penn State interior defense that ranks 330th in two-point percentage defense (57.4%). With Penn State trending toward the Over in 14 of their 24 games this season, expect a fast-paced game with plenty of scoring opportunities.

Penn State has not won a road game in months and recently blew a 12-point second-half lead against USC. Washington’s superior rebounding (59th vs. Penn State's 318th) will likely limit Penn State to one-and-done possessions, while the Huskies' elite free-throw shooting (26th nationally at 77.2%) will allow them to ice the game late if necessary.

Sprinkle highlighted turnovers as a major issue in the Huskies recent loss to UCLA (13 turnovers leading to 20 points). However, Penn State is even more prone to mistakes lately, committing 17 turnovers in their last outing against USC. The team that protects the ball better in Seattle will likely dictate the spread.

Steinbach should be a massive problem for Penn State. Averaging a double-double (17.5 PPG, 11.2 RPG), he faces a Penn State defense that is one of the worst in the country at defending the rim. Steinbach’s 62% shooting on two-point attempts should be a focal point of the Huskies' attack.

Penn State is 1-6 straight up on the road this season. Their defense travels poorly, as evidenced by their 361st rank in 3-point percentage defense (38.2%). If Washington shooters like Zoom Diallo and Quimari Peterson get hot early, this could turn into a blowout quickly.

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FREE PICK: WASHINGTON TEAM TOTAL OVER 83.5

As mentioned above, this is kind of a statement game for Washington. The Huskies have significant advantages over the Nittany Lions and the glaring one is Washington’s offense versus Penn State’s defense. PSU ranks 322nd in the nation in points allowed per game. On the road, they are horrible. They are 1-6 SU, but in six Big Ten road games Penn State’s defense has allowed an average of 98.3 ppg. Opponents scored 84 or more points in all six of those games. Penn State ranks 358th in defensive rebounding, 359th in total rebounds, and 361st in FG% defense. Washington hasn’t scored more than 81 points in any of its last 12 games. But, the last time they did, they scored 86 against San Diego, a team with a defense similar to Penn State (USD ranks 305th in scoring defense, 328th in total rebounds, and 321st in FG% defense).

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Ylose expert Coach Rick Bowe delivers his daily Quick Picks. The Coach continues to roll up big wins in college basketball, college football, the NFL, MLB and much more. Coach Rick offers a unique perspective to handicapping. Check out his daily free picks right here and jump on his daily Best Bets, which you can find right here at Ylose.com/coach.