USC vs Rutgers Prediction 3/12/25 College Basketball Picks

The USC Trojans and Rutgers Scarlet Knights meet on Wednesday in college basketball action at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Here’s a USC vs Rutgers prediction. This article will include a USC vs Rutgers Pick.

USC Trojans Betting Preview

The USC Trojans (15-16, 12-19 ATS) experienced their toughest patch of the season during which they suffered five consecutive defeats. The Trojans managed to avoid the sixth loss in a row with a massive win over Washington but returned to losing ways against UCLA, scoring just 63 points in a 90-63 loss. USC ended the regular season in 16th place in the Big Ten Standings.

USC is averaging 76.4 PPG (112th) and is allowing 75.0 PPG (271st). The Trojans are getting 31.0 RPG (407th) and dish out 15.5 APG (75th). Desmond Claude is the team’s top performer with 15.8 PPG, 3.6 RPG, and a team-high 4.2 APG. Wesley Yates III has 13.8 PPG, 2.7 RPG, and 1.2 SPG, while Chibuzo Agbo contributes 11.9 PPG, 4.3 RPG, and 1.0 SPG. 

Rutgers Scarlet Knights Betting Preview

The Rutgers Scarlet Knights (15-16, 15-15-1 ATS) have been through ups and downs in the second half of the season. The Scarlet Knights won three of the previous five games; they defeated Washington, USC, and Minnesota, while they lost to Michigan and Purdue. Rutgers finished in 11th position in the Big Ten Standings with a win ahead of USC.

Rutgers averages 76.6 PPG (108th) and allows 76.9 PPG (312th). The Scarlet Knights are 216th in rebounds (35.2) and 294th in assists (12.6). Dylan Harper leads the team with 19.2 PPG, 4.5 RPG, a team-high 3.9 APG, and a team-high 1.4 SPG. Ace Bailey follows him with 17.6 PPG, a team-high 7.2 RPG, and a team-high 1.3 BPG, while Lathan Sommerville chips in 7.9 PPG and 4.1 RPG.

Why USC will beat Rutgers

• Rutgers has lost each of its last four games played at neutral venues.

Why Rutgers will beat USC

• USC has lost six of its last seven games against the Big Ten Conference.
• Rutgers has won three of its last four night games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
• Rutgers has won the first half in six of its last seven night games against the Big Ten Conference.

Total Points Facts

• Each of USC’s last six Conference Tournament games has produced a total of 154 or fewer points.
• Each of Rutgers’ last six night games against Conference opponents has produced a total of 155+ points.

Matchup/League Facts

• Rutgers ranks T45th among Division 1 teams for free throw attempts per game this season (21.9).
• USC ranks T46th among Division 1 teams for opponent rebounds per game this season (31.9).
• USC ranks 49th among Division 1 teams for a three-point percentage this season (36.8%).

USC vs Rutgers Prediction

These teams have only met once so far and it was three weeks ago when Rutgers secured a 95-85 home victory and covered the spread along the way. I am not going to bet on the spread in this one as I am more interested in points and expect a high-scoring affair. Both teams have been good when it comes to Over this year; USC is 23-8-0 and Rutgers is 17-12-2. Rutgers has hit the Team Total Over in 20 of its last 32 games, while the Scarlet Knights have hit the Game Total Over in 17 of their previous 32 games. Also, USC has hit the Team Total Over in 19 of its last 33 games, while the Trojans have hit the Game Total Over in 23 of their previous 33 games. I am going with Over.

Oliver Zivic's Pick: Over 154.5