How to Watch USC Trojans vs. Ohio State Men's Basketball: Preview: Prediction, Betting Odds

The USC Trojans men's basketball team is 14-13, on a three-game losing streak. USC coach Eric Musselman and his team will face the Ohio State Buckeyes on Wednesday, Feb. 26, at 7:30 p.m. PT. The game will be broadcast on the Big Ten Network. Preview, prediction, and betting odds for the matchup at Galen Center.
Feb 23, 2025; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; USC Trojans guard Desmond Claude (1) during a game against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Jersey Mike's Arena. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images
Feb 23, 2025; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; USC Trojans guard Desmond Claude (1) during a game against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Jersey Mike's Arena. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images | John Jones-Imagn Images

The USC Trojans men’s basketball team is 14-13, 6-10 in Big Ten conference play. The Trojans are on a three-game losing streak, looking to get back on track. The Trojans will face the 15-13 Ohio State Buckeyes on Feb. 26.

How to Watch:

The USC Trojans men’s basketball team will face the Ohio State Buckeyes at 7:30 p.m. PT on Wednesday at Galen Center in Los Angeles, California. The game broadcast will be on the Big Ten Network.

USC Trojans Desmond Claude
Feb 23, 2025; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; USC Trojans guard Desmond Claude (1) during a game against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Jersey Mike's Arena. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images | John Jones-Imagn Images

Betting Odds:

The USC Trojans are 1.5-point underdogs at FanDuel Sportsbook against the Ohio State Buckeyes. The money line for USC is -102, and the total points are 151.5.

USC vs. Ohio State preview:

The USC Trojans are coming off a loss against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights, 95-85. This was the Trojans' third loss in a row and their second straight game on the East Coast. USC will return home to Galen Center to try to turn things around.

Despite losing, the Trojans scored 85 points. After the game, USC coach Eric Musselman spoke about the positives from his team.

“Our offensive rebounding was the best that we have done all season. Both of our centers had five offensive rebounds, so that’s a huge step in the right direction,” Musselman said.

USC guards Desmond Claude and Wesley Yates III had a big game against Rutgers. Claude scored 30 points, and Yates scored 23. Forwards Josh Cohen and Saint Thomas found success with rebounding. Cohen finished the game with eight rebounds, while Thomas finished with six. Forward Rashaun Agee came off the bench to secure seven rebounds.

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“We need to see if our group can be resilient,” Musselman said. “We have to get our minds and our bodies right to get ready for an Ohio State game. We have a lot to play for.”

After back-to-back east coast games, the Trojans will head home to face the Ohio State Buckeyes. USC is 11-6 while playing at home. The matchup will be USC’s second-to-last game at home this season. The USC Trojans are averaging 76.7 points, with Claude leading the team with 16.2 points per game.

The Ohio State Buckeyes are 15-13, 7-10 in Big Ten conference play. They are just 3-6 during away games and are also on a three-game losing streak. The Buckeyes are coming off a loss against the UCLA Bruins, 69-61.

USC Trojans Wesley Yates III
Feb 23, 2025; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; USC Trojans guard Wesley Yates III (6) during the second half against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Jersey Mike's Arena. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images | John Jones-Imagn Images

The Buckeyes are averaging 78.2 points per game this season. Ohio State guard Bruce Thornton leads the team, averaging 17.3 points, 4.3 assists, and 1.1 steals. Forward Devin Royal leads with an average of 7.0 rebounds, and guard Evan Mahaffery is leading in blocks, averaging 0.9.

The Trojans and Buckeyes have faced off seven times, with USC having a 3-4 record against Ohio State. The two teams have not played each other since 1997, which Ohio State won,79-73.

USC vs. Ohio State prediction:

The USC Trojans will defeat the Ohio State Buckeyes in a close matchup, 78-76.

After USC faces Ohio State, the Trojans will face the Oregon Ducks on March 1 at 1 p.m. PT at Matthew Knight Arena in Eugene, Oregon.

  • Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change. 
  • If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.

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Angela Miele
ANGELA MIELE

Angela Miele is a beat reporter covering the USC Trojans, Colorado Buffaloes, and Oregon Ducks for On SI. She earned her master’s degree in Communication and Media at Rutgers University and holds a B.A. in English with minors in Writing Arts and Sports Communication and Media from Rowan University. With experience covering several sports, she is focused on building a career in sports journalism, combining her passion for sports and writing.

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