USC Trojans vs
Illinois Fighting IlliniPredictions & Preview

USC vs Illinois: Trojans Face Uphill Battle Against Size Advantage of Fighting Illini in NCAAB Showdown

In this NCAAB matchup, USC and Illinois will face off in a battle on the hardwood in the Land of Lincoln. USC is coming off a loss to Indiana, while Illinois dominated Penn State in their previous game. The Trojans hold a 6-3 series advantage, but the Fighting Illini have won the last three meetings. Illinois is currently favored by 14 points in the upcoming game.

Betting Odds

• Moneyline: Trojans +650 | Fighting Illini -1000
• Spread: Trojans +14 (-110) | Fighting Illini -14 (-110)
• Total: Over/Under 154 (-110)
• Based on the moneyline, the implied probability that Illinois will win straight-up is 91%.

USC vs Illinois Stats

USC Trojans

USC suffered a second consecutive defeat on the road against Indiana, dropping their overall record to 9-6 and 1-3 in the Big Ten. Despite leading by 10 early in the game, they found themselves tied at halftime and ultimately fell behind in the second half. USC struggled with shooting and rebounding in the loss, with Wesley Yates III leading the team with 18 points. The Trojans have an average of 75.7 points per game, ranking 171st in scoring offense, and are above average on defense, allowing 70.4 points per game. Terrance Williams II, Desmond Claude, and Josh Cohen are key scorers for the team, with Williams II likely unavailable due to injury. USC shoots 47% from the field, including 33.2% from three-point range, and 75.2% from the free-throw line. Despite their recent setbacks, USC is still ranked #21 in power rankings.

Illinois Fighting Illini Analysis

Illinois dominated Penn State in a one-sided victory, extending their winning streak to five games. The Fighting Illini improved to 12-3 overall and 4-1 in the Big Ten. They outscored Penn State 40-10 in the first half to take a commanding lead at halftime. Illinois shot 44.2% from the field and dominated the boards in the win. Ben Humichrous led the team with 21 points and nine rebounds. Overall, Illinois ranks 6th in the nation in scoring offense, 1st in rebounding, and 57th in defense. Kasparas Jakucionis, who missed the last game, is questionable for the next matchup. Illinois has solid secondary scoring options and shoots 45.9% from the field as a team. They are above average at the free throw line, converting 75.4% of their opportunities.

USC Faces Size Disadvantage Against Illinois, Michigan, and Indiana

The University of Southern California (USC) has faced difficulties in their recent games due to a common factor - the size advantage of their opponents. Both Indiana and Michigan have players who are taller than the Trojans' average of 6'8, with only Cohen standing above this height in their rotation, averaging 17 minutes per game. Players like Ivisic, who stands at 7'1 for Illinois, present a significant challenge for the Trojans in the low block. USC will also have to contend with Humichrous at 6'9, Riley at 6'8, and White at 6'7. Illinois has demonstrated strong performance at home with an 8-1 record, while USC has struggled in their two road games, winning only one. It is anticipated that the Fighting Illini will secure a victory in this match by capitalizing on their size advantage and scoring capabilities against USC.

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