Michigan vs USC Prediction 1/2/26 College Basketball Picks Today

In this article we will formulate a Michigan vs USC prediction for this College Basketball game on Friday, January 2nd at the Crisler Center in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this College Basketball matchup.

Michigan Wolverines Betting Preview

The Michigan Wolverines are 12-0 (2-0) this season after they defeated McNeese by a score of 112-71 in their last game. Michigan led 60-29 at halftime and added 52 more points in the second half in the blowout win. The Wolverines shot 59% from the field, 30% on three pointers, and 69% on free throws in the game. Morez Johnson Jr led Michigan with 24 points and 11 rebounds, while Yaxel Lendeborg added 16 points and eight rebounds in the win. 

Prior to that game, Michigan defeated La Salle by a score of 102-50 and Maryland by a score of 101-83. The Wolverines have scored 96.8 points per game with 45.0 rebounds and 21.6 assists per game, while they have allowed 66.5 points against per game this season. Yaxel Lendeborg is averaging 15.7 points and 7.2 rebounds per game, while Morez Johnson Jr is averaging 13.6 points and 6.8 rebounds per game for the Wolverines. Michigan is shooting 53.6% from the field, 71.2% on free throws, and 38.3% on three pointers this season. 

USC Trojans Betting Preview

The USC Trojans are 12-1 (1-1) this year after they defeated a non-D1 team by a score of 102-63 in their last game. USC led 45-26 at halftime and added 57 points in the second half for the easy win. The Trojans shot 56% from the field, 20% on three pointers, and 66% on free throws in the game. Gabe Dynes led USC with 16 points and five rebounds, while Chad Baker-Mazara added 15 points and seven rebounds in the win. 

Prior to that game, USC defeated UTSA by a score of 97-70 and Washington State by a score of 68-61. The Trojans have scored 89.4 points per game with 38.1 rebounds and 17.4 assists per game, while they have allowed 75.3 points against per game this season. Chad Baker-Mazara is averaging 21.0 points and 5.5 rebounds per game, while Ezra Ausar is averaging 17.1 points and 5.8 rebounds per game for the Trojans. USC is shooting 49.5% from the field, 73.6% on free throws, and 36.5% on three pointers this year. 

Why the Michigan Wolverines will win

• Michigan has won each of its last 12 games.
• USC has lost eight of its last nine night games against AP-ranked opponents.
• Michigan has won the first half in each of its last nine games as a top-10 AP-ranked team at Crisler Center.

Why the USC Trojans will win

• USC has won 12 of its last 13 games.
• Michigan has lost 10 of its last 12 games against AP-ranked opponents at Crisler Center.
• USC has won the first half in each of its last four January games as an AP-ranked team.

Total Points Facts

• Each of USC’s last 39 games against AP-ranked opponents have produced a total of 168 or fewer points.
• Each of Michigan’s last 38 night games against Conference opponents at Crisler Center have produced a total of 166 or fewer points.

Matchup/League Facts

• Michigan ranks 1st among Division 1 teams for point differential per game this season (+30.3).
• Michigan ranks 1st among Division 1 teams for opponent field goal percentage this season (34.6%).
• USC ranks 1st among Division 1 teams for free throws made per game this season (22.9).
• USC ranks 1st among Division 1 teams for free throw attempts per game this season (31.2).

Michigan vs USC Prediction 

Michigan comes into this matchup as one of the best teams in the country, as they continue to blowout every team they play. The Wolverines are shooting 54% from the field and they have scored over 96 points per game. USC is 12-1 to start the year and they are ranked, but they do have an eight point loss to Washington. The Trojans are shooting 49% from the field, but their defensive numbers are much worse than Michigan’s. This is a huge number to cover against a ranked team and I think USC’s offense will be able to keep this game respectable. Take the Trojans here.