- Matchup: USC Trojans vs Ohio State Buckeyes
- Date: February 11, 2026
- Venue: Value City Arena, Columbus, OH
- Broadcast: ESPN+
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The USC Trojans (18-6) are set to face off against the Ohio State Buckeyes (15-8) at Value City Arena this Wednesday.
In their most recent game, the USC Trojans edged out Penn State, securing a narrow victory with a final score of 77-75. USC achieved a field goal percentage of 48.3%, making 29 of 60 attempts, including 6 out of 19 from beyond the arc. At the free-throw line, they converted 13 of 18 for a success rate of 72.2%. The Trojans collected 31 rebounds, 10 of which were offensive, and distributed 15 assists while forcing the opposition into 15 turnovers, resulting in 10 steals. Defensively, USC allowed their opponent to shoot 51.7% from the field, with Penn State finishing the game 30 of 58. The Nittany Lions recorded 12 assists, 12 steals, and a total of 27 rebounds (8 offensive, 19 defensive), but did not register any blocks. From the free throw line, Penn State scored 9 of 15, translating to 60.0%, while hitting 6 of 18 three-point attempts. In terms of personal fouls, USC was called for 17 fouls compared to Penn State’s 16.
Alijah Arenas stood out in this matchup, shooting 47.1% from the field and notching 2 assists. He played for 35 minutes, contributing 3 rebounds and scoring 24 points on 8 of 17 shooting.
Entering this contest, USC boasts an impressive 18-6 record this season. The Trojans average 81.3 points per game, ranking 84th nationally, while shooting 47.2% from the field. They have a three-point shooting percentage of 32.0% (150 of 469) and convert 71.9% from the free-throw line. As a unit, they average 37.5 rebounds per game and have amassed a total of 372 assists so far, placing them 98th nationally. USC averages 12.7 turnovers per game while committing 18.9 personal fouls per contest.
On defense, the Trojans force their opponents into 12.5 turnovers per game while accumulating 21.6 fouls. They rank 220th nationally in assists allowed, with 336 given up this season. USC permits a field goal percentage of 41.8% (620 of 1,484) and averages 33.2 rebounds per game. They also give up attempts from beyond the arc at 30.4%, and they rank 231st in points allowed per game (75.3).
In their last outing, the Ohio State Buckeyes experienced a tough loss against Michigan, falling 82-61. The Buckeyes managed 19 defensive rebounds and 7 offensive, totaling 26 rebounds in the game. They committed 12 turnovers, while registering 4 steals. Michigan was assessed 17 fouls, allowing Ohio State 16 free throw attempts, of which they converted 14 for an 87.5% success rate. Ohio State made 7 of 22 three-pointers (31.8%) and ended the game shooting 20 of 55 from the field for 36.4%. Defensively, they allowed Michigan to shoot 45.8%, as the Wolverines racked up 33 successful shots on 72 attempts. Ohio State also gave up 42 total rebounds to Michigan, 16 of which were offensive.
Bruce Thornton was a key player for the Buckeyes, achieving a field goal percentage of 37.5% on 6 of 16 shooting, while pulling down 6 rebounds. He scored 16 points during his 35 minutes on the court and provided 4 assists.
Ohio State currently holds a record of 15-8 this season. Offensively, they shoot 48.9% from the field, ranking 30th in collegiate basketball. The Buckeyes have tallied 1,869 points this season, averaging 81.3 per game, and they collect 35.1 rebounds per game. Their assist rate stands at 15.0 per game (119th nationally), with only 10.6 turnovers per contest. The team commits 17.6 fouls per game and hits 78.0% from the free-throw line.
Defensively, Ohio State allows a 30.9% three-point shooting percentage (175 of 567), with opponents converting 74.3% of their free throw attempts. They relinquish 13.4 assists and 32.0 rebounds per game, ranking 184th and 54th nationally, respectively. The Buckeyes are positioned 169th in points allowed per game (73.3). They force an average of 11.0 turnovers while permitting teams to shoot 43.2% from the floor (140th in the nation).
Who will come out on top in this NCAA matchup against the spread?
Prediction: Back Ohio State
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