- Matchup: Northwestern Wildcats vs USC Trojans
- Date: Wednesday, January 21, 2026
- Venue: Galen Center, Los Angeles, CA
- Broadcast: ESPN+
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The USC Trojans (14-4) are set to face off against the Northwestern Wildcats (8-10) at the Galen Center this Wednesday.
In their previous outing, the Northwestern Wildcats confronted the Nebraska Cornhuskers, suffering a defeat with a score of 77-58. They notched a field goal percentage of 42.6%, completing 23 of 54 attempts, and converted 5 of their 14 three-point tries. From the free throw line, Northwestern made 7 of 10 attempts, achieving a 70.0% success rate. The team secured 28 total rebounds, with 9 coming from the offensive end, and distributed 15 assists while forcing 5 turnovers and recording 1 steal. Defensively, the Wildcats allowed their opponents to make 50.9% of their shots, with Nebraska scoring 27 of 53 attempts. The Cornhuskers notched 18 assists and compiled 7 steals during the contest, alongside 26 total rebounds, which included 6 offensive boards. They also shot 80.0% from the free throw line, making 12 of 15 attempts, and were 11 for 26 from the three-point range. Both teams committed 12 fouls.
Nick Martinelli stood out as a key player, achieving a 45.0% shooting rate with 2 assists in 38 minutes while grabbing 10 rebounds and contributing 22 points on 9 of 20 shooting.
Heading into this game, Northwestern holds an 8-10 record this season. The team averages 8.5 turnovers per game and commits 17.9 fouls. They gather 33.2 rebounds per game and have achieved 321 assists this season, ranking 42nd nationally in assists. The Wildcats shoot 31.5% from three-point range, making 113 of 359 attempts, and 73.6% from the free throw line. They score an average of 77.3 points per game, placing them 170th in college basketball while hitting 47.0% of their shots from the floor.
Defensively, the Wildcats force 11.3 turnovers per game while accumulating 18.0 fouls. They allow 30.5% shooting from three-point range and currently rank 133rd in Division 1 by giving up an average of 71.9 points per game. Northwestern’s defense permits an opponent field goal percentage of 42.5% (447 of 1,053) and concedes 35.0 rebounds per game, ranking 274th in allowing assists to opposing teams with 273 given up this season.
In their last game, the USC Trojans suffered a 69-64 defeat against Purdue. USC secured 28 defensive rebounds and 10 offensive boards for a total of 38 rebounds in the game. They committed 13 turnovers while achieving 6 steals. Purdue was whistled for 15 personal fouls, allowing USC 14 free throw attempts, of which they converted 5 for a 35.7% shooting percentage. From beyond the arc, the Trojans made only 3 out of 20 attempts (15.0%), and overall, they shot 45.9% with 28 of 61 attempts hitting the mark. USC also allowed Purdue to shoot 41.8%, with the Boilermakers making 23 of 55 shots and finished shooting 33.3% from three-point territory (7 of 21) along with 16 out of 22 free throws (72.7%). The Trojans permitted Purdue to grab 30 total rebounds, including 5 offensive boards.
Chad Baker-Mazara was a notable contributor with 15 points in 33 minutes of play, achieving 41.2% shooting (7 of 17) and securing 5 rebounds.
USC currently holds a 14-4 record. The Trojans are averaging 19.6 fouls per game and have a free throw shooting percentage of 72.3%. They assist 16.5 times per game (67th in the nation) while committing 12.9 turnovers per contest. This season, USC has scored 1,501 points for an average of 83.4 points per game, and they pull down 37.6 rebounds per game. Offensively, the Trojans are shooting at a rate of 47.4%, placing them 78th in the country.
Defensively, USC ranks 244th in points allowed per game with an average of 75.8. They force 13.3 turnovers per game and allow opponents to shoot 41.7% from the field (73rd in college). The Trojans allow 31.0% from three-point territory (145 of 468) and 75.0% from the free throw line. They yield 13.7 assists and 33.4 rebounds per game, ranking 210th and 114th in college basketball respectively.
Who will prevail in tonight’s NCAA matchup against the spread?
Pick: Select Northwestern
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