Ohio State vs USC Picks and Prediction – 2/27/2025

This Wednesday, Bruce Thornton and the Ohio State Buckeyes will travel to Galen Center to take on Desmond Claude and the USC Trojans in a Big Ten conference matchup. Get our free NCAAB Picks all season long! The Buckeyes, now 15-13, are looking to recover after a 69-61 loss against UCLA on Sunday. Thornton has been the leader for Ohio State, controlling the tempo and providing scoring when needed.

USC, sitting at 14-13, is also looking to bounce back after a 95-85 loss against Rutgers on Sunday. Claude has been a key playmaker for the Trojans, pushing the pace and creating offensive opportunities. Playing at home, USC will aim to get back on track and protect their court.

Ohio State will need to improve its offensive efficiency after struggling against UCLA. Thornton must take charge early and keep the Buckeyes engaged offensively, while their defense focuses on slowing down Claude and the Trojans’ attack.

For USC, limiting Thornton’s impact and maintaining strong perimeter defense will be crucial. Claude will need to be aggressive in leading the offense, while the Trojans must stay disciplined on the defensive end to prevent Ohio State from gaining momentum. Expect Thornton to keep the Buckeyes in check while getting the job done at the other end of the court.

This game sets up a battle between Thornton’s floor leadership and Claude’s ability to push the pace in a competitive matchup. While both sides are looking to rebound, USC’s home-court advantage could help them take control. Take the Trojans to win this game on home court. Final Score Prediction, USC Trojans win 74-70.