USC Trojans vs Rutgers Scarlet Knights Prediction – 3/12/2025

The USC Trojans and the Rutgers Scarlet Knights are set to face off in the first round of the Big Ten Tournament on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, at 8:30 p.m. ET at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Both teams enter the tournament with identical overall records of 15-16, aiming to advance and keep their postseason hopes alive.

USC Trojans vs. Rutgers Scarlet Knights Game Preview

In their inaugural Big Ten season, the USC Trojans faced significant challenges, finishing 14th in the conference with a 7-13 record. The team struggled down the stretch, losing six of their final seven games. Offensively, USC averaged 76.4 points per game, ranking 12th in the Big Ten, with a commendable field goal percentage of 49.6%. Junior guard Desmond Claude led the team with 15.8 points and 4.2 assists per game. Defensively, the Trojans allowed 75 points per game, placing them 15th in the conference, and struggled on the boards, averaging just 31 rebounds per game.

Rutgers, on the other hand, secured the 11th spot in the Big Ten with an 8-12 conference record. The Scarlet Knights showed resilience, winning three of their last five regular-season games. Their offense averaged 76.6 points per game, with freshman sensations Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey contributing significantly, averaging 19.2 and 17.6 points per game, respectively. Defensively, Rutgers allowed 76.9 points per game, ranking 17th in the conference, and averaged 35.2 rebounds per game.

Betting Insights

The betting lines for this matchup are as follows:

• Point Spread: USC favored by 1 point
• Over/Under: 154.5 points
• Moneyline: USC -112, Rutgers -108

These odds suggest a closely contested game, with a slight edge given to USC. Bettors should note that USC has a 12-19 record against the spread (ATS) this season, while Rutgers stands at 13-17 ATS. In their previous encounter in late February, Rutgers emerged victorious by 10 points, covering the spread as 3.5-point favorites.

USC Trojans vs. Rutgers Scarlet Knights Prediction

Considering the recent form and statistical analysis, this game is poised to be a tight contest. USC's offensive efficiency, highlighted by their shooting percentage, contrasts with their defensive vulnerabilities, particularly in rebounding. Rutgers' dynamic freshman duo provides a scoring punch, but their defensive inconsistencies could be exploited.

Given the recent head-to-head result favoring Rutgers and their slightly better performance against the spread, the Scarlet Knights might have a marginal advantage. However, the Trojans' shooting efficiency cannot be overlooked.

Prediction: Rutgers Scarlet Knights 78, USC Trojans 75

Bettors might consider taking Rutgers to cover the spread and the total points to go under 154.5, anticipating a closely fought game with moderate scoring.

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