Penn State Faces USC in Bid to End Five-Game Losing Streak

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Penn State will seek to break a five-game losing streak tonight against USC at the Galen Center. The matchup follows Penn State’s recent 78-54 defeat to UCLA on Saturday, marking a challenging start to their California road trip.

The Nittany Lions, with a record of 5-7 in the Big Ten and an overall record of 13-10, face a Trojans team also struggling to find consistency this season. USC has had a rocky stretch in the Big Ten, notching victories over Illinois and Nebraska but falling short against Iowa and Northwestern.

Tonight’s game is pivotal for both schools as they hover outside the NCAA Tournament projections. Kickoff is set for 9:00 p.m. ET, and the matchup can be watched on BTN or streamed via BTN+.

USC enters the game with five players averaging double-digit points, highlighted by guard Desmond Claude, who leads the team with 16.2 points per game. Wesley Yates contributes 12.5 points, while Chibuzo Agbo, Terrance Williams II, and Saint Thomas round out the scoring threats with 11.5, 10.6, and 10.2 points per game, respectively.

Despite their offensive firepower, USC struggles with offensive rebounding, ranked 266th in the NCAA in that category according to Kenpom. Their offensive efficiency is rated 53rd overall, which could present an opportunity for Penn State to capitalize on missed shots.

Defensively, the Trojans rank 86th in efficiency and have allowed 70 points or more in eight of their last ten conference games. This inconsistency suggests a potential opportunity for Penn State if they can replicate the form they displayed prior to the new year.

As the game approaches, the Vegas line favors USC by 4.5 points, with an over/under set at 151.5. It’s a crucial moment for the Nittany Lions, who are still seeking their first win of 2025 amid escalating urgency surrounding their tournament eligibility.

Given the stakes and the current trajectory of both teams, analysts predict a closer contest than what Penn State has faced in recent outings, although the scales tilt slightly in favor of the Trojans.