USC vs Minnesota Prediction 1/9/2026 Today’s College Basketball Picks

In this article we will formulate a USC vs Minnesota prediction for this College Basketball game on Friday, January 9th at Williams Arena in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this College Basketball matchup.

USC Trojans Betting Preview

The USC Trojans are 12-3 (1-3) this season after they lost to Michigan State by a score of 80-51 in their last game. USC trailed 33-17 at halftime and they allowed 47 points in the second half in the blowout loss. The Trojans shot 33% from the field, 18% on three pointers, and 75% on free throws in the game. Ezra Ausar led USC with 16 points and seven rebounds, while Jerry Easter II added 12 points and one assist in the loss. 

Prior to that game, USC lost to Michigan by a score of 96-66, but did beat a non-D1 team by a score of 102-63 before that. The Trojans have scored 85.3 points per game with 37.3 rebounds and 16.0 assists per game, while they have allowed 77.0 points against per game this season. Chad Baker-Mazara is averaging 19.3 points and 4.9 rebounds per game, while Ezra Ausar is averaging 16.9 points and 5.9 rebounds per game for the Trojans. USC is shooting 47.5% from the field, 72.9% on free throws, and 34.3% on three pointers this season. 

Minnesota Golden Gophers Betting Preview

The Minnesota Golden Gophers are 10-5 (3-1) this year after they defeated Iowa by a score of 70-67 in their last game. Minnesota led 31-24 at halftime, but they were outscored 43-39 in the second half in the win. The Golden Gophers shot 47% from the field, 25% on three pointers, and 75% on free throws in the game. Langston Reynolds led Minnesota with 22 points and five rebounds, while Cade Tyson added 16 points and five rebounds in the win. 

Prior to that game, Minnesota defeated Northwestern by a score of 84-78 and FDU by a score of 60-43. The Golden Gophers have scored 73.3 points per game with 35.1 rebounds and 18.4 assists per game, while they have allowed 65.8 points against per game this season. Cade Tyson is averaging 21.7 points and 5.2 rebounds per game, while Jaylen Crocker-Johnson is averaging 12.8 points and 7.0 rebounds per game for the Golden Gophers. Minnesota is shooting 46.4% from the field, 69.5% on free throws, and 33.1% on three pointers this year. 

Why the Minnesota Golden Gophers will win

• Minnesota has won each of its last seven games at Williams Arena against non-AP-ranked opponents.
• USC has lost four of its last five games against the Big Ten Conference.

Why the USC Trojans will win

• USC has won eight of its last nine night games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
• Minnesota has lost the first half in 24 of its last 32 night games against the Big Ten Conference.

Total Points Facts

• Each of Minnesota’s last nine night games against the Big Ten Conference have produced a total of 142 or fewer points.
• Fifteen of USC’s last 16 night games against Conference opponents have produced a total of 147+ points.

USC vs Minnesota Prediction 

Minnesota comes into this matchup on a lengthy winning streak and they just beat Iowa and Northwestern. The Golden Gophers are shooting 46% from the field and they have allowed 67 points or fewer in four of their last five games. USC is coming off of two blowout losses to Michigan and Michigan State, but they are still the more talented team in my opinion. The Trojans are shooting 47% from the field and they are scoring over 85 points per game. I like Minnesota in the underdog role, but I don’t love having to lay points with them. Take USC here.

David Racey's Pick: USC +4.5