Northwestern Wildcats vs USC Trojans Matchup

Read on to get betting odds and analysis in our USC vs Northwestern NCAA Basketball prediction and preview and see who we think will win and cover the spread in Evanston.

USC vs Northwestern Prediction

Making on a bet on this NCAA game featuring the Trojans versus the Wildcats? Tip off is at at 9:00 ET, and you can watch it all unfold on BTN. The game will be played at Welsh-Ryan Arena in Evanston, IL. This Big Ten conference matchup has an over/under of 140 points, and Northwestern is favored to win by -1.5 at home vs. USC.

USC vs. Northwestern Matchup At A Glance

Sport: NCAAB
Teams: USC Trojans at Northwestern Wildcats
Where: Evanston at Welsh-Ryan Arena
Date: Tuesday, February 4th
Betting Odds NW -1.5, USC +101 | NW -121 O/U 140

Trojans Preview: Does USC Have What it Takes on the Road?

USC Trojans Recent Game/Games

USC improved to 13-8 on the season with a 70-64 win over Michigan State on Saturday, February 1st. The Trojans were +3.5 point underdogs going into the game but managed to cover the spread with the win.

USC led 35-32 at halftime and matched that effort in the 2nd half, holding the Spartans to 32 points after the break. The game’s total points of 134 fell under the O/U line of 150.5.

Trojans Offense Breakdown

USC's offense put up 70 points in their last game, shooting 42.1% from the field and 31.8% from three-point range (7/22). Their effective field goal percentage was 49.1%, and they hit 78.9% of their free throws (15/19). The Trojans grabbed 10 offensive rebounds and dished out 9 assists.

Desmond Claude led the way with 19 points, shooting 46.2% overall, while Wesley Yates III added 15 points, hitting all 3 of his three-point attempts. Chibuzo Agbo struggled from deep, going 2/9 from three and 4/14 overall, finishing with 14 points.

Trojans Team Defense

USC held their opponent to 64 points on 42% shooting from the field, including 48% on two-pointers (17/35). They also limited their opponent's three-point shooting to 31%, with 7 made threes on 22 attempts.

From the free-throw line, USC's opponent shot 78%, making 15 of 19 attempts. The Trojans gave up 10 offensive rebounds in the game.

Wildcats Preview: Can Northwestern Deliver Being Favored at Home?

Northwestern Wildcats Recent Game/Games

Northwestern fell to 12-10 on the season after a 75-69 home loss to Wisconsin on Saturday. The Wildcats, who were +4.5 point underdogs, not only lost but also failed to cover the spread. The total points for the game hit 144, just over the O/U line of 141.5.

Northwestern led 31-25 at halftime but allowed 50 points in the 2nd half while scoring 38 of their own. The Wildcats’ inability to maintain their defensive intensity after the break was a key factor in the loss.

Wildcats Offense Breakdown

Northwestern put up 69 points in their last game, shooting 42.4% from the field with an effective field goal percentage of 50.8%. They connected on 11 of 28 three-point attempts, hitting 39.3% from deep, while making 88.9% of their free throws, going 8 for 9.

John Tonje led the way with 27 points, hitting 5 of 11 from three, while Jalen Leach added 23 points and 7 assists, shooting 62.5% from beyond the arc. Carter Gilmore contributed 15 points, making 3 of 5 from three, and Ty Berry hit 4 threes, finishing with 14 points.

Wildcats Team Defense

Northwestern's defense gave up 75 points in their last game, with opponents shooting 42% from the field, hitting 25 of their 59 attempts. Inside the arc, they allowed 14 two-point baskets on 31 attempts, a 45% conversion rate.

From three-point range, Northwestern's opponents connected on 11 of 28 shots, shooting 39%. They also sent them to the free-throw line 9 times, where they made 8, an 88% success rate. Northwestern gave up 7 offensive rebounds.

Trojans vs Wildcats Betting Odds, Trends & Analysis

In their last ten games away from home, the Trojans have a straight up record of 6-4 while going 7-3 vs the spread. The team's offense averaged 73 points per game in these contests.
Through their last three home games, Northwestern has an ATS record of just 1-2. However, their overall record was 0-3 while averaging 70 points per game.
In their last five games as the betting underdog, the Trojans have a strong straight up record of 3-2. In addition, their ATS record was 3-2 in these scenarios.
Going back to their last ten games as the favorite, the Wildcats have a straight up record of 8-2. But, their mark vs the spread was just 6-4.