Illinois State vs USC Prediction 11/14/2025 Today’s College Basketball Picks

The Illinois State Redbirds and the USC Trojans meet Friday in college basketball action from the Intuit Dome. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best bets for this game. Here’s an Illinois State Redbirds vs. USC Trojans prediction.

Illinois State Redbirds Recap

The Illinois State Redbirds come into this game looking to add on to their 76-65 win over Cornell last time out to sit at 1-1 this season. After this game, Illinois State will head on the road for a game against Long Beach State.

Redbirds Looking To Build On First W

Ty’Reek Coleman has 13.5 PPG while Johnny Kinziger has 13 PPG with 5.5 RPG and a team-high 2.5 APG to lead the Redbirds in assists up to this point in the year. Boden Skunberg has 12.5 PPG with 5.5 RPG and Chase Walker has 10 PPG with 4 RPG to cap off the group of double-digit scorers for Illinois State up to this point in the year. Brandon Lieb also has a team-high 7.5 RPG to lead the Redbirds on the glass up to this point in the year. As a team, Illinois State is averaging 72 PPG on 45.3% shooting from the field, 33.3% from three and 52.3% from the foul line this season. 

USC Trojans Recap

The USC Trojans come into this game looking to build on a 114-83 win over Manhattan last time out to sit at 2-0 this season. After this game, USC will take on the Troy Trojans at home.

USC Looking To Stay Unbeaten

Chad Baker-Mazara leads the Trojans in scoring with 19 PPG along with 7 RPG while Ezra Ausar has 19 PPG with 4.5 RPG. Rodney Rice has 17.5 PPG with 4 RPG and a team-high 6 APG to lead the Trojans in assists while Jacob Cofie has 16.5 PPG with 10 RPG to lead USC in rebounding by averaging a double-double per game so far this season. Jaden Brownell has 11.5 PPG with 3 RPG as well to cap off the group of double-digit scorers for USC so far this season. As a team, USC is averaging 104 PPG on 48.6% shooting from the field, 36.2% from three and 70.8% from the foul line so far this season.

Illinois State Redbirds @ USC Trojans Betting Trends: November 14, 2025

Why the USC Trojans will win

• Illinois State has lost each of its last nine Friday games against non-Conference opponents.
• USC has won each of its last four day games against non-Conference opponents.
• USC has won the first half in each of its last seven games against non-Conference opponents.

Why the Illinois State Redbirds will win

• Illinois State has won eight of its last nine games against non-Conference opponents.
• USC has lost each of its last six Friday games played at neutral venues.
• Illinois State has won the first half in four of its last five day games.

Total Points Facts

• Each of USC’s last 12 day games at a neutral venue have produced a total of 158 or fewer points.
• Each of Illinois State’s last 10 games against non-Conference opponents have produced a total of 158 or fewer points.

Illinois State Redbirds vs. USC Trojans Prediction

I’m on the Trojans here. I just think there’s a clear gap between these two teams in talent and USC just has far too many options for Illinois State to contend with here. The Redbirds have been leaving points at the foul line out of the gate and you need to take advantage of any opportunity you have when taking a step up against a team like USC. Give me the Trojans here.

Chris Ruffolo's Pick: USC -14.5