USC vs Northwestern Prediction 1/21/26 College Basketball Picks Today

The Northwestern Wildcats and USC Trojans meet Wednesday in the college basketball action at the Galen Center. Here’s a USC vs Northwestern Prediction. This article will include a USC vs Northwestern Pick.

Northwestern Wildcats Betting Preview

The Northwestern Wildcats lost to Illinois and Nebraska, and they play UCLA next. Northwestern has lost 5 straight games.

The Northwestern Wildcats are averaging 77.3 points on 47 percent shooting and allowing 71.9 points on 42.5 percent shooting. Nick Martinelli is averaging 23.7 points and 6.8 rebounds, while Arrinten Page is averaging 12.8 points and 5.8 rebounds. Jayden Reid is the third double-digit scorer and Tre Singleton is grabbing 4.7 rebounds. The Northwestern Wildcats are shooting 31.5 percent from beyond the arc and 73.6 percent from the free throw line. The Northwestern Wildcats are allowing 30.5 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 29.9 rebounds per game.

USC Trojans Betting Preview

The USC Trojans beat Maryland, lost to Purdue, and they play Wisconsin next. USC has won 6 of its last 9 games.

The USC Trojans are averaging 83.4 points on 47.4 percent shooting and allowing 75.8 points on 41.7 percent shooting. Rodney Rice is averaging 20.3 points and 6 assists, while Chad Baker-Mazara is averaging 18.9 points and 3.2 assists. Ezra Ausar is the third double-digit scorer and Jacob Cofie is grabbing 6.8 rebounds. The USC Trojans are shooting 32.8 percent from beyond the arc and 72.3 percent from the free throw line. The USC Trojans are allowing 31 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 33.9 rebounds per game.

Why the USC Trojans will win

• Northwestern has lost each of its last eight games against Conference opponents.
• USC has won 14 of its last 15 games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
• USC has won the first half in eight of its last nine games at Galen Center against non-AP-ranked opponents.

Why the Northwestern Wildcats will win

• The road team has won the first half in each of Northwestern’s last four games.

Total Points Facts

• Nine of USC’s last 10 night games at Galen Center have produced a total of 158+ points.
• Each of Northwestern’s last five night games against non-AP-ranked opponents have produced a total of 156+ points.

USC vs Northwestern Prediction

Northwestern used to be a sneaky competitive team, but that hasn’t been the case this season. Northwestern isn’t as good defensively as it’s been in the past, and it’s getting worse. Northwestern has not only lost 5 straight games, but it includes bad losses to Rutgers and Minnesota. USC has done a good job of beating the teams it’s supposed to beat this season and has covered 3 straight games. That includes a competitive effort against Purdue. I just don’t have much confidence in Northwestern on the road here. Give me USC and the reasonable number.