Illinois vs USC Prediction 1/11/25 College Basketball Picks Today

In this article, we will formulate a Illinois vs USC Prediction for this college basketball game on Saturday, January 11th, at the State Farm Center. Let’s take a look at Illinois Fighting Illini vs USC Trojans pick. 

Illinois Has Confidence

Illinois has all kinds of confidence right now and the offense has been elite heading into this game. Illinois in the last game faced off against Penn State and the offense scored 91 points while the defense gave up only 52 points. There were three different players that put up at least 20 points. Tre White ended the game with 20 points, seven rebounds, and two assists. Two games ago against Washington, they went on the road and were able to secure the 81-77 victory. 

Illinois is averaging 87.9 points while their defense is giving up 66.2 points per game. The offense is ranked 6th in the league while the defense is ranked 57th. The offense gets the attention but their defense should be talked about more because they have really stepped up. Three games ago against Oregon the offense scored 100 points nad htey are going to need the offense to run up the score here. The big question for the Fighting Illini is the status of their top player Kasparas Jakucionis who is dealing with a forearm injury. If he can’t go, that is a major loss for this squad. 

Why Illinois Will Beat USC

Illinois has won 26 of its last 27 games at State Farm Center against non-AP-ranked opponents.

USC has lost four of its last five day games against AP-ranked opponents.

USC has lost the first half in six of its last seven day games against AP-ranked opponents.

Big Opportunity for USC

This is a big opportunity for USC, which is trying to pick up as many key wins as it can. The problem for USC is they have also lost a lot of key games. In the last game against Indiana, USC scored 69 points but the defense gave up 82 points and that led to the defeat. At halftime, the game was tied 38-38, but in the second half, it got worse, and the game ended up not being all that close. Two games ago, Michigan, USC scored 74 points, and they ended up losing by 11 points. 

USC on the season is averaging 75.7 poits while their defense is giving up 70.4 points per game. The offfense is ranked 170th in the league while the defense is ranked 153rd. As a team they are shooting 46.9 percent from the field and if they want any chance in this game they are going to need to keep hitting those shots. Getting out to a fast start is also going to be a major key. 

Illinois vs USC Prediction

Illinois is going to put on a show here with the offense and even though this is a big opportunity for a key win, USC just doesn’t have the talent to get it done. Ths Illinois offense is balanced and even though and even if their top player, they are still going to find a whole lot of success. Illinois is going to have no issue running up the score and USC won’t be keeping up. Back Illinois to cover the spread here.