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Northwestern vs USC Prediction 2/4/25 College Basketball Picks Today

USC (13-8) vs. Northwestern (12-10)
February 4, 2025 9:00 pm EDT
The Line: Northwestern -1; Over/Under: 140
(Get latest betting odds)

In this article, we will formulate a Northwestern vs USC prediction for this College Basketball game on Tuesday, February 4th at Welsh-Ryan Arena in Evanston, Illinois. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this College Basketball matchup.

Northwestern Wildcats Betting Preview

The Northwestern Wildcats are 12-10 (3-8) this year after they lost to Wisconsin by a score of 75-69 in their last game. Northwestern led 31-25 at halftime, but they were outscored 50-38 in the second half in the loss. The Wildcats shot 42.4% from the field, 39.3% on three-pointers, and 88.9% on free throws in the game. Jalen Leach led Northwestern with 23 points and seven rebounds, while Nick Martinelli added 15 points and seven rebounds in the loss. 


Prior to that game, the Wildcats lost to Rutgers by a score of 79-72 and Illinois by a score of 83-74. Northwestern has lost four of their last five games and they are currently near the bottom of the Big Ten standings with a 3-8 record. Northwestern has scored 73.9 points per game and they have allowed 69.6 points per game, while also averaging 34.1 rebounds and 14.8 assists per game this season. Nick Martinelli is averaging 19.4 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game, while Jalen Leach is averaging 14.7 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game this year. Northwestern is shooting 44.2% from the field, 72.8% on free throws, and 33.5% on three-pointers this season. 

USC Trojans Betting Preview

The USC Trojans are 13-8 (5-5) this season after they defeated Michigan State by a score of 70-64 in their last game. USC led 35-32 at halftime and held MSU to just 32 points in the second half in the win. The Trojans shot 42.1% from the field, 31.8% on three-pointers, and 78.9% on free throws in the game. Desmond Claude led USC with 19 points and six rebounds, while Wesley Yates III added 15 points and five rebounds in the game. 

Prior to that win, the Trojans lost to UCLA by a score of 82-76 but did beat Nebraska by a score of 78-73 before that. USC has won four of their last six games and they are currently eighth in the Big Ten standings with a 5-5 record. USC has scored 76.7 points per game and they have allowed 72.4 points per game, while also averaging 32.1 rebounds and 15.7 assists per game this season. Desmond Claude is averaging 16.2 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game, while Chibuzo Agbo is averaging 11.7 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game this year. USC is shooting 47.9% from the field, 73.9% on free throws, and 34.7% on three-pointers this season. 

Why USC will beat Northwestern

  • Northwestern has lost four of its last five games.
  • USC has won three of its last four road games.
  • Northwestern has lost the first half in five of its last six night games against the Big Ten Conference.

Northwestern vs USC Prediction 

USC comes into this matchup after picking up a great win over Michigan State in their last game, but they will be on the road for this game. The Trojans are shooting 47.9% from the field this year and while their defensive numbers have not been good, they did hold MSU to just 64 points last time out. Northwestern has lost three games in a row and they have allowed 75, 79, and 83 points in those three games. The Wildcats will be without their second-leading scorer for the rest of the season, which is a huge loss for a team that can have some trouble scoring. USC is 2-0 in their last two road games and I like them to get the cover in this game as well. 

David Racey's Free Pick: USC -1

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David Racey

David started writing about sports in 2015, but sports has been his passion for as long as he can remember. David spends most of his free time watching pretty much anything sports related from Baseball to Tennis and everything in between. David likes to analyze statistics and recent results to form an unbiased opinion on whatever game he is breaking down. Follow David on Twitter at @itsyerboi41

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