Wisconsin vs USC Prediction 1/18/25 College Basketball Picks

The Wisconsin Badgers are visiting the USC Trojans on Saturday, January 18th at the Galen Center. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best bets for this game. Here’s a Wisconsin Badgers vs USC Trojans Prediction. We will examine:

The USC Trojans’ recent form and player performance

The Wisconsin Badgers’ recent form and player performance

Recent betting trends and streaks involving the USC Trojans

Recent betting trends and streaks involving the Wisconsin Badgers

Recent betting trends in games played between Wisconsin Badgers and USC Trojans

A summary that ties it all together and produces a favorable betting outcome for the Wisconsin Badgers vs USC Trojans game

USC Trojans Preview

The USC Trojans have an 11-6 record this season and are sitting in the 8th place in the Big Ten. USC is coming off a 70-68 win over Ohio State. The Trojans are 7-10 against the spread and 12-5 in over/under while having a 9-3 home record. 

Offensively, USC is averaging 77.5 points per game, which ranks 118th in the nation. Defensively, they allow 71.6 points per game (199th). The Trojans shoot 48.4% from the field (39th) and 34.9% from beyond the arc (123rd). The Trojans shoot 74.4% from the free-throw line (94th) and are grabbing 32.7 rebounds per game (324th).

Desmond Claude leads USC in scoring, with an average of 16.4 points, 4 rebounds, and a team-high 4.2 assists, while Chibuzo Agbo adds 112.8 points and 4.5 rebounds. USC will take on Nebraska, UCLA, Michigan State, Northwestern, and Purdue after this game.

Wisconsin Badgers Preview

The Wisconsin Badgers have a 14-3 record this season and are sitting in the 6th place in the Big Ten. Wisconsin is coming off a 99-89 win over Iowa. The Badgers are 9-7-1 against the spread, and 11-6 in over/under while having a 1-2 road record.

Offensively, Wisconsin is averaging 83.1 points per game, which ranks 33rd in the nation. Defensively, they are allowing 70.6 points per game (153rd). The Badgers shoot 46.7% from the field (101st) and 35.4% from beyond the arc (96th). The Badgers shoot 85.1% from the free throw line, which is the best in the nation, and are grabbing 36.5 rebounds per game (159th).

John Tonje leads Wisconsin in scoring this season, with an average of 18.3 points and 5.2 rebounds, while John Blackwell adds 15.4 points and 4.7 rebounds.

Why the USC Trojans will win

• USC has won 30 of its last 36 day games at Galen Center.
• USC has won the first half in 11 of its last 13 home games.

Why the Wisconsin Badgers will win

• Wisconsin has won each of its last seven day games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
• USC has lost 24 of its last 31 games against AP-ranked opponents.
• Wisconsin has won the first half in each of its last eight day games against non-AP-ranked opponents.

Total Points Facts

• Seven of USC’s last eight day games against AP-ranked opponents have produced a total of 145 or fewer points.
• Four of Wisconsin’s last five games have produced a total of 139 or fewer points.

Wisconsin Badgers vs USC Trojans Prediction

In their only previous meeting back in 2022, Wisconsin won 64-59 on the road, covering the spread, as the game went under the point total. In this Wisconsin Badgers vs USC Trojans Prediction, Wisconsin is coming as a -1.5 road favorites. The Badgers are better both offensively and defensively, and they are winning by an average of 12.5 points this season. Wisconsin is coming in red-hot, with six consecutive wins, and is 5-2 against the spread. USC is 2-2 in their last 4 games and 2-2 against the spread, while playing terrible defense lately, allowing 82+ points in three of their last four games. The value here lies with the road team, so take the Wisconsin Badgers and lay the points on the road.