- Matchup: Rutgers Scarlet Knights vs USC Trojans
- Date: Saturday, January 31, 2026
- Venue: Galen Center, Los Angeles, CA
- Broadcast: ESPN+
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On Saturday, the USC Trojans (15-6) will host the Rutgers Scarlet Knights (9-12) at the Galen Center.
In their previous encounter, the Rutgers Scarlet Knights succumbed to Michigan State with a score of 88-79. Rutgers recorded a field goal percentage of 40.3% (25 of 62) and converted 10 of their 27 attempts from beyond the arc. At the free-throw line, they achieved 82.6%, sinking 19 of 23 attempts. They secured 19 rebounds, 6 of which were offensive, and registered 11 assists while causing 14 turnovers and making 8 steals. Defensively, Rutgers allowed Michigan State to shoot 49.1% from the field on 28 of 57 attempts. Michigan State provided 18 assists and managed 1 steal during the match. Furthermore, they grabbed 44 rebounds (13 offensive, 31 defensive), without any blocks. Michigan State excelled at the free-throw line, finishing with a remarkable 92.3% by converting 24 of 26 attempts and sank 8 out of 22 three-point shots. As for fouls, Rutgers committed 21 while Michigan State had a total of 19.
Tariq Francis was a key player in this game, finishing with a shooting percentage of 35.3% and tallying 1 assist. He played for 34 minutes, gathering 2 rebounds and scoring a total of 23 points on 6 of 17 shooting.
Rutgers steps into this match with a season record of 9-12. They average 10.6 turnovers per game and commit 17.0 fouls each game. On average, they grab 34.7 rebounds per match and have accumulated 225 assists this season, ranking them 347th in Division 1 for passing. The Scarlet Knights are shooting 32.2% from three-point range (139 out of 432) and are successful 73.4% of the time at the free-throw line. They average 70.1 points per game, sitting 314th in the nation, while shooting 40.6% from the field.
Defensively, the Scarlet Knights force an average of 11.4 turnovers per game while drawing 18.7 fouls. They allow opponents to shoot 37.2% from three-point range and rank 220th in college hoops for points allowed per game at 75.1. Their defense permits a field goal percentage of 45.0% (557 of 1,238) and they concede an average of 36.3 rebounds each game, ranking 290th in assists allowed, with a total of 314 surrendered over the year.
In their last outing, the USC Trojans faced a narrow defeat against Iowa, ending the game 73-72. On the boards, USC allowed Iowa to collect a total of 28 rebounds (9 offensive). The Trojans finished the game with a three-point shooting percentage of 32.0%, making 8 out of 25 attempts, and scored 19 out of 22 (86.4%) from the free-throw line. Iowa managed to shoot 41.8% (23 of 55) from the field, while the Trojans boasted a shooting percentage of 52.8% by converting 28 out of 53 attempts. From three-point range, USC hit 5 out of 15 attempts (33.3%) and finished the game with an impressive 68.8% free-throw percentage. Iowa committed 20 fouls, allowing the Trojans 16 free-throw attempts. They forced 14 turnovers while securing 6 steals for the matchup. Overall, USC grabbed 19 defensive rebounds and 7 offensive boards, totaling 26 for the game.
Kam Woods emerged as a significant contributor for the Trojans, making 12 of his 17 attempts for a field goal percentage of 70.6%, alongside 3 rebounds. He scored a total of 33 points in 40 minutes of play and dished out 3 assists.
This season, USC holds a record of 15-6. Offensively, the Trojans shoot 47.0% from the field, which ranks 89th in the nation. They have racked up 1,714 points this season, averaging 81.6 points per game, and collecting an average of 37.4 rebounds. USC averages 15.6 assists per game, ranking 97th in college, while experiencing 12.3 turnovers each game. The Trojans average 19.3 fouls per contest and have a free-throw shooting percentage of 71.4%.
Defensively, USC ranks 226th in the nation for points allowed per game at 75.3. They force an average of 12.7 turnovers and permit teams to shoot 41.5% from the field (67th in D-1). Opponents shoot 30.3% from beyond the arc (165 of 545) and connect on 76.1% of free-throw attempts. They give up an average of 13.8 assists and 33.7 rebounds per game, ranking 217th and 140th respectively in college basketball.
Who will emerge victorious in tonight’s NCAA matchup against the spread?
Prediction: Back Rutgers
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