| MATCHUP | Purdue Boilermakers | USC Trojans |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 16-1 | 14-3 |
| Where | Galen Center, Los Angeles, CA | |
| When | Saturday, January 17, 2026 | |
| Time | 06:00 PM EST | |
| TV | Peacock | |
The Purdue Boilermakers and the USC Trojans meet Saturday in college basketball action from Galen Center. Here’s a Purdue vs USC prediction. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best Purdue vs USC pick. We will examine the recent form and player performances for both teams, as well as the recent betting trends and streaks pertaining to this matchup. As we conclude, we will tie it all together with a summary that produces a sensible pick for a favorable betting outcome in this game.
Purdue Boilermakers Betting Preview
This year the Boilermakers opened on a tear. Purdue won their first eight games of the season before finally taking a loss versus Iowa State on December 6. Since then it’s been wins over Minnesota, Marquette, Auburn, Kent State, Wisconsin, Washington, Penn State and Iowa for the Boilermakers. Across the first 17 games of the season, that gives Purdue a very nice 16-1 overall record in the books.
In the Iowa game on Wednesday the Boilermakers entered the second half with a 34-31 deficit. Purdue came back on a 48-38 run from there however, notching a victory at home in the end 79-72 to keep their streak intact. The Boilermakers’ Braden Smith led the team on 16 points with eight boards and four rebounds, while Trey Kaufman-Renn added 12 points with three assists and two rebounds.
USC Trojans Betting Preview
Over on the Trojans’ side, they kicked off their season with a nice unbeaten run over their first eight games as well, ultimately taking a loss to Washington—also on December 6. USC is 6-2 in the last eight games since then, beating San Diego, Washington State, UTSA, UC Santa Cruz, Minnesota and Maryland in that time. Over 17 games the Trojans have been able to muster a 14-3 record overall.
In the Maryland matchup at home on Tuesday the Trojans were in the locker room with a tiny 42-41 edge. USC closed on a 46-30 run from there however, leading to an 88-71 win. Jordan Marsh was the top team scorer on 20 points with four rebounds and four assists. Both Jacob Cofie (six rebounds; four assists) and Ezra Ausar (four assists; three rebounds) added 12 points each.
Purdue Boilermakers @ USC Trojans Betting Trends: January 17, 2026
Why the USC Trojans will win
- USC has won seven of its last eight day games.
Why the Purdue Boilermakers will win
- Purdue has won each of its last 17 games as a top-10 AP-ranked team against a non-AP-ranked team.
- USC has lost each of its last four day games against Conference opponents.
- USC has lost the first half in nine of its last 11 games against Top 10 AP-ranked opponents.
Purdue vs USC Prediction
I’ll lean toward USC, but you could call this one either way. It’ll be a fun game. The Trojans started a little slowly versus Maryland in their latest home win but eventually posted a nice 51.5 percent shooting from the field with a 32-21 rebounding edge, a 44-14 advantage on points in the paint and just six turnovers in a 17-point victory. USC is just 2-2 in the last four games, but those losses came to powerhouses Michigan and Michigan State. The Trojans have given up 69 or more points in all four of those matchups, though.
As for Purdue, they had a slow first half themselves versus Iowa this week. The Boilermakers eventually shot 52.9 percent form the field and 86.4 percent (19-of-22) from the line however, along with a 32-22 edge in the paint. Purdue has won eight straight games now, with 79 or more points scored in each of those. USC will have to step on the gas offensively but I think they can power out a home cover if all goes well.