Michigan State vs USC Picks and Prediction – 2/1/2025

On Saturday, the 7th ranked Michigan State Spartans (18-2) face off against the USC Trojans (12-8) at the Galen Center in Los Angeles, California. Get ready for the college basketball season with our college basketball picks.

USC comes into this matchup on a one-game losing streak, but has won three of their last five games. In a closely contested matchup against UCLA, the Trojans fell short with a 76-82 defeat, despite a standout performance from Rashaun Agee, who tallied an impressive 21 points. This season, Desmond Claude has been the team's scoring leader, averaging 16.1 points per game and consistently providing offensive power. Chibuzo Agbo follows as the second-highest scorer for the Trojans, contributing an average of 11.6 points each game. On the defensive end, Saint Thomas dominates the boards, collecting an average of 6.1 rebounds per game, which is the best on the team. Desmond Claude also spearheads the team in playmaking, dishing out an average of 4.3 assists per match, showcasing his versatility on the court. Over their last five appearances, the Trojans have managed to score an average of 80.8 points. As they prepare for their next home game, the team is determined to secure an upset win and steer clear of a sixth conference defeat this season. Overall, the Trojans maintain an average scoring rate of 77 points per game throughout their campaign thus far.

Michigan State enters this game on a thirteen-game winning streak. In a decisive 73-51 victory over Minnesota, Tre Holloman contributed 12 points to the Spartans' success. This season, Michigan State's standout player in terms of scoring is Jaden Akins, who consistently averages 13.6 points per game. Following closely behind is Jase Richardson, who holds the position of the team's second-highest scorer with an average of 9.6 points per game. On the rebounding front, Jaxon Kohler has proven to be the most effective for Michigan State, averaging 7.6 rebounds each game. In terms of facilitating plays, Jeremy Fears Jr. leads with an impressive average of 6.3 assists per game. Over their past five matches, the Spartans have averaged 80.4 points, highlighting their offensive prowess. They are keen on extending their winning streak to fourteen games and maintaining their perfect record in conference play. Throughout the season, Michigan State has been averaging a robust 81.3 points per matchup.

Michigan State's offensive lineup has stood out as one of the top performers this season. As they journey to Los Angeles to compete against USC, they aim to secure their tenth victory in conference play. In contrast, the USC Trojans have managed to clinch nine victories out of fourteen games played on their home court. However, their performance in conference games has been less impressive, with only four wins out of nine contests. Michigan State is determined to sidestep any surprises and potential upsets during this match, while USC is eager to achieve a significant win in front of their home crowd. Final Score Prediction, Michigan State Spartans win but fail to cover, 73-71.