Nebraska Aims to End Four-Game Skid Against USC in Critical Big Ten Showdown

LINCOLN, Neb. — The Nebraska Cornhuskers (12-6, 2-5 Big Ten) are desperate to snap a four-game losing streak as they host the USC Trojans (11-7, 3-4 Big Ten) at Pinnacle Bank Arena on Wednesday night. Tipoff is set for 8 p.m. CT, with the game airing on the Big Ten Network.

Nebraska’s recent struggles have been fueled by defensive lapses, particularly on the perimeter. Over their four-game skid, the Huskers have allowed opponents to shoot 47.5% from beyond the arc, surrendering an average of 14.5 made 3-pointers per game. Head coach Fred Hoiberg emphasized that the issue is less about scheme and more about effort. “Our close-outs need to be aggressive, our rotations crisp, and our intensity elite for a full 40 minutes,” Hoiberg said.

Turnovers have also plagued the Huskers, who rank 186th nationally in offensive turnover rate. Nebraska has averaged nearly 13 turnovers during its losing streak, well above its goal of 10 or fewer per game. In their last outing against Maryland, the Huskers committed 13 turnovers, though only four came in the second half.

USC, meanwhile, presents a unique challenge with its roster of tall, athletic players who excel in versatility. However, the Trojans have struggled with rebounding, ranking 17th in the Big Ten with just 32.3 rebounds per game and last in offensive boards (8.1 per game). They also commit 17.6 fouls per game, allowing opponents to score 20.6% of their points from the free-throw line.

Hoiberg praised USC’s roster, calling them “all the same” in terms of their physicality and skill. “They’re a tough matchup because they’ve got size and athleticism at every position,” he said. “But we need to crash the glass and attack the rim to control this game.”

Nebraska’s recent struggles have put their NCAA Tournament hopes in jeopardy. After starting the season 12-2, the Huskers have faltered in conference play, losing four straight games. A win against USC could be a turning point. “It’s all out there right now,” Hoiberg said. “We’ve got to respond. A lot of teams go through losing streaks in this league, but we need to keep fighting.”

USC, led by first-year head coach Eric Musselman, has been inconsistent this season. The Trojans showed promise with an upset win over No. 13 Illinois but were blown out by No. 24 Wisconsin in their most recent game. Like Nebraska, USC is searching for consistency as it looks to climb the Big Ten standings.

With both teams in need of a win, Wednesday’s matchup promises to be a hard-fought battle. Nebraska enters as a 4.5-point favorite, according to oddsmakers, with a predicted score of 77-68 in favor of the Huskers.