Northwestern vs USC Prediction 1/21/2026 Today’s College Basketball Picks

In this article we will formulate a Northwestern vs USC prediction for this College Basketball game on Wednesday, January 21st at the Galen Center in Los Angeles, California. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this College Basketball matchup.

Northwestern Wildcats Betting Preview

The Northwestern Wildcats are 8-10 (0-7) this season after they lost to Nebraska by a score of 77-58 in their last game. Northwestern trailed 34-29 at halftime and they allowed 43 points in the second half for the lopsided loss. The Wildcats shot 43% from the field, 36% on three pointers, and 70% on free throws in the game. Nick Martinelli led Northwestern with 22 points and 10 rebounds, while Tre Singleton added 14 points and two rebounds in the loss. 

Prior to that game, Northwestern lost to Illinois by a score of 79-68 and Rutgers by a score of 77-75. The Wildcats have scored 77.3 points per game with 33.2 rebounds and 17.8 assists per game, while they have allowed 71.9 points against per game this season. Nick Martinelli is averaging 23.7 points and 6.8 rebounds per game, while Arrinten Page is averaging 12.8 points and 5.8 rebounds per game for the Wildcats. Northwestern is shooting 47.0% from the field, 73.6% on free throws, and 31.5% on three pointers this season. 

USC Trojans Betting Preview

The USC Trojans are 14-4 (3-4) this year after they lost to Purdue by a score of 69-64 in their last game. USC trailed 38-32 at halftime, but did win the second half 32-31 in the close loss. The Trojans shot 46% from the field, 15% on three pointers, and 36% on free throws in the game. Chad Baker-Mazara led USC with 15 points and five rebounds, while Jacob Cofie added 13 points and 15 rebounds in the loss. 

Prior to that game, USC defeated Maryland by a score of 88-71 and Minnesota by a score of 70-69. The Trojans have scored 83.4 points per game with 37.6 rebounds and 16.5 assists per game, while they have allowed 75.8 points against per game this season. Chad Baker-Mazara is averaging 18.9 points and 4.5 rebounds per game, while Ezra Ausar is averaging 16.1 points and 6.0 rebounds per game for the Trojans. USC is shooting 47.4% from the field, 72.3% on free throws, and 32.8% on three pointers this year. 

Why the USC Trojans will win

• Northwestern has lost each of its last eight games against the Big Ten Conference.
• USC has won each of its last seven night games against non-AP-ranked opponents.

Total Points Facts

• Each of USC’s last 10 night games against non-AP-ranked opponents at Galen Center have produced a total of 153+ points.
• Each of Northwestern’s last four games have produced a total of 152 or fewer points.

Northwestern vs USC Prediction 

Northwestern comes into this matchup looking for their first conference win of the season, but they have allowed at least 76 points in five straight games. The Wildcats are shooting 47% from the field and they have scored 68 or fewer in three of their last four. USC has won two of their last three games and they played Purdue pretty close in their last game. The Trojans are shooting 47% from the field and they have scored 66 points or fewer in three of their last five. I don’t think USC is a very good team, but this Northwestern team is a disaster right now. Take the Trojans here.

David Racey's Pick: USC -5.5