The USC Trojans take on the Rutgers Scarlet Knights in Piscataway, NJ. Tip-off is set for 6 p.m. ET on FS1.
Rutgers is favored by 2.5 points on the spread with a moneyline of -142. The total is set at 152.5 points.
Here are my USC vs. Rutgers predictions and college basketball picks for February 23, 2025.
USC vs. Rutgers Predictions, Best Bet
- Pick: Over 152.5 (Play to 153.5)
My Rutgers vs. USC best bet is on the over, with the best odds currently available at DraftKings. For all of your college basketball bets, be sure to find the best lines by using our live NCAAB odds page.
USC vs. Rutgers Odds, Spread, Lines
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My Pick: Over 152.5 (Play to 153.5)
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USC Trojans vs. Rutgers Scarlet Knights NCAAB Preview
I think the situational spot favors USC, which likely stayed on the East Coast after losing to Maryland on Thursday. Meanwhile, Rutgers had to travel home after beating Washington in overtime on Wednesday.
That said, I’m worried about USC’s abhorrent dribble defense against Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey, who could burn them consistently.
At the same time, I’ve been impressed with USC’s offensive growth this season, as the Trojans have become a more respectable ball-screen and cutting offense.
I haven’t thought much of the Scarlet Knights’ dribble defense this year, and I know their cutting defense is horrific (1.35 PPP allowed, fifth percentile, per Synergy).
So, I wouldn’t be surprised to see a higher-scoring ball game.