USC (13-9) at Purdue (18-5)
- When: Feb 7 2025, 7:00 PM
- Where: Mackey Arena, West Lafayette, IN, USA
- Where to watch: Fox Sports 1
Game Preview
Purdue Favored by 13.5 | Total Set at 146.0
A high-stakes Big Ten showdown is set for Friday as No. 7 Purdue looks to extend its dominance when Southern California visits West Lafayette. The Boilermakers, who have surged to the top of the conference standings, will try to keep their winning momentum against a Trojans squad eager to pull off another upset over a ranked opponent.
Purdue Outlook
Boilermakers Aiming to Maintain Big Ten Lead
Purdue (18-5, 10-2 Big Ten) has been in outstanding form, winning 10 of its last 11 games and coming off a 90-81 road victory over Iowa. The Boilermakers’ second-half explosion, where they dropped 54 points, highlighted their offensive firepower. Braden Smith (31 points) and Trey Kaufman-Renn (25 points) led the charge, proving once again why they are the pillars of this team.
Smith, one of the best facilitators in college basketball, averages 8.6 assists per game, ranking third nationally. While his four assists against Iowa were a season low, his ability to control the tempo and generate high-percentage looks makes Purdue’s offense one of the most efficient in the country.
With Michigan State slipping up on the road, Purdue now sits alone atop the Big Ten standings. But with a challenging three-game stretch ahead—featuring Wisconsin, Michigan, and Michigan State—this matchup against USC is a must-win to maintain their conference lead.
Betting Insight: Purdue has been dominant at home and boasts a strong rebounding edge over USC, which could be the deciding factor in this game.
USC Outlook
Trojans Look to Stay Hot Against Ranked Opponents
The Trojans (13-9, 5-6 Big Ten) have found ways to step up against ranked teams, beating No. 13 Illinois on the road (82-72) and handing Michigan State its first Big Ten loss last Saturday (70-64). However, injuries may hinder their ability to pull off another upset.
Desmond Claude, USC’s leading scorer (16.2 PPG), suffered a knee injury against Michigan State and was forced to miss Tuesday’s game at Northwestern. Without him, the Trojans struggled early but nearly pulled off a comeback thanks to Clark Slajchert’s season-high 24 points, including a clutch four-point play to tie the game late.
USC coach Eric Musselman praised Slajchert’s scoring ability, recalling how he torched his former Arkansas team years ago. If Claude remains sidelined, the Trojans will need another big night from Slajchert, along with increased contributions from Saint Thomas (10.6 PPG), who had just four points in their last game.
One major concern for USC is rebounding. They were outworked on the glass 43-27 against Northwestern, and now they face a Purdue squad that ranks among the top teams nationally in limiting opponent rebounds.
Betting Insight: USC has been competitive against ranked teams, but their interior defense and rebounding struggles could be a major issue against a Purdue team that thrives in the paint.
Prediction & Best Bets
Spread Pick: Purdue -13.5 – The Boilermakers’ rebounding and offensive efficiency should prove too much for a USC squad that could be without its top scorer.
Over/Under: Over 146.0 – Purdue has scored 80+ in four straight games, and USC’s fast pace should push this total over.
Final Score Prediction: Purdue 84, USC 68 – Expect Purdue to dominate the glass and dictate the tempo, securing a comfortable home win.
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- NCAAB Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
