USC Trojans vs Northwestern Wildcats NCAA Basketball Betting Pick & Prediction 2/4/25
Don’t miss out on the NCAA showdown between the Trojans and Wildcats. The game is starting at 9:00 ET on BTN, and it’s hosted by the Wildcats at Welsh-Ryan Arena in Evanston, IL. Get ready to place your bets! The over/under for this game is set at 140 points, and Northwestern is favored by -1.5 vs. USC in a Big Ten conference matchup.
USC TROJANS VS NORTHWESTERN WILDCATS BETTING PICK
The Pick: Northwestern Wildcats -1.5
This game will be played at Welsh-Ryan Arena at 9:00 ET on Tuesday, February 4th.
WHY BET THE NORTHWESTERN WILDCATS:
- We have this one finishing with a projected score of 79-68 in favor of the Wildcats.
- Not only will Northwestern pick up the win, but look for them to cover at -1.5.
- The over/under is currently sitting at 140 points, and we like the over with a projected 147 points.
Can USC Pull Off A Win at Welsh-Ryan Arena?
USC Trojans Recent Game/Games
USC improved to 13-8 on the season with a 70-64 win over Michigan State on Saturday. The Trojans, who were +3.5 underdogs going into the game, not only pulled off the upset but also covered the spread.
USC led 35-32 at halftime and matched that output in the second half while holding Michigan State to 32 points. The total points for the game were 134, which fell short of the 150.5 O/U line.
USC put up 70 points in their last game, shooting 42.1% from the field and 31.8% from three-point range, hitting 7 of 22 attempts. Their effective field goal percentage was 49.1%, and they were solid at the free-throw line, making 15 of 19 shots for a 78.9% success rate.
Desmond Claude led the Trojans with 19 points and 6 rebounds, while Wesley Yates III added 15 points, hitting all 3 of his three-point attempts. Jeremy Fears Jr. contributed 6 assists, and USC finished with 9 assists as a team, grabbing 10 offensive rebounds.
Despite giving up 64 points, USC’s defense held their opponent to 42% shooting from the field, allowing 24 made baskets on 57 attempts. Inside the arc, the Trojans conceded 17 two-point field goals on 35 attempts, a 48% shooting rate.
From three-point range, USC’s defense limited their opponent to 7 made threes on 22 attempts, or 31% shooting. They also sent their opponent to the free-throw line 19 times, where they made 15, shooting 78%. USC allowed 10 offensive rebounds in the game.
Can the Wildcats Offense Score Enough at Home?
Northwestern Wildcats Recent Game/Games
Northwestern’s season record dropped to 12-10 after a 75-69 home loss to Wisconsin on Saturday. The Wildcats entered the game as +4.5 point underdogs and failed to cover the spread. The total points for the game were 144, going over the pre-game line of 141.5.
Northwestern led 31-25 at halftime but struggled defensively in the second half, allowing 50 points while scoring 38.
Northwestern’s offense put up 69 points in their last game, shooting 42.4% from the field and 39.3% from three-point range, hitting 11 of 28 attempts. Their effective field goal percentage was 50.8%, and they were nearly perfect from the free-throw line, making 8 of 9 shots for 88.9%.
John Tonje and Jalen Leach led the way, with Tonje scoring 27 points and hitting 5 threes, while Leach added 23 points, shooting 62.5% from deep and dishing out 7 assists. Carter Gilmore also contributed, shooting 71.4% overall and hitting 3 of 5 from beyond the arc.
Northwestern’s defense gave up 75 points in their last game, with the opposing team shooting 42% from the field on 25 of 59 attempts. Inside the arc, they allowed 14 of 31 shooting, which is 45%.
From three-point range, Northwestern’s opponents hit 11 of 28 shots, good for 39%. They also went to the line 9 times, making 8 free throws for 88%. Northwestern allowed 7 offensive rebounds.