USC and Rutgers meet in a Big Ten Tournament matchup with both teams sitting at 15-16 overall. USC has struggled mightily on the road, while Rutgers’ defense has been inconsistent but capable of slowing down opponents in key moments. Can USC’s offense overcome their defensive flaws, or will Rutgers’ grinding style keep scoring in check?
Key Trends
- USC ATS Record: 12-19-0 (3-7 on the road)
- Rutgers ATS Record: 15-15-1 (11-5 at home, 3-8 on the road)
- Head-to-Head: Rutgers won 95-85 on Feb. 23, covering as 3.5-point favorites (Over 151.5 hit)
- USC Last 10 Games: 5-5 SU, 6-4 ATS
- Rutgers Last 10 Games: 4-6 SU, 4-6 ATS
Matchup Breakdown
Both teams finished with identical records and subpar conference performances, but their styles of play are very different. USC prefers a faster tempo, while Rutgers leans on its defense to control pace. Their previous matchup on February 23 resulted in a high-scoring 95-85 win for Rutgers — but a repeat of that scoring output seems unlikely this time.
USC Strengths and Weaknesses
- Offense: USC shoots 48.2% from the field (29th) and 36.8% from deep (49th).
- Defense: USC is a horrid 306th in opponent field goal percentage (46.0%) and not much better against the three, ranking 266th (34.9%).
- Key Player: Isaiah Collier leads the Trojans with 16.7 PPG and 5.2 assists.
Rutgers Strengths and Weaknesses
- Defense: Rutgers allows 76.9 PPG (311th) but limits opponents to 34.9% from three.
- Offense: Rutgers shoots 46.0% from the field (306th) and struggles at the free throw line (69.0%, 34th).
- Key Player: Clifford Omoruyi leads the Scarlet Knights with 10.2 PPG, 8.5 RPG, and 1.7 blocks per game.
Pace and Style
USC averages 76.4 PPG (112th) and prefers an uptempo game. Rutgers, meanwhile, averages 69.0 PPG and ranks 4th nationally in first-half defense (37.0 PPG allowed). Rutgers’ ability to slow down the pace and USC’s defensive struggles on the road point toward a controlled, lower-scoring game.
Neither team excels on the glass, with USC ranking 335th in rebounds per game (28.5) and Rutgers ranking 235th in defensive rebounding. This could lead to fewer second-chance points and longer possessions — both favorable factors for the under.
