The Rutgers Scarlet Knights are desperately trying to climb out of the Big Ten basement and put themselves among the Top 15 teams qualifying for the conference tournament. In order to do so, the Scarlet Knights need a big home win over the visiting USC Trojans on Sunday night.
Rutgers will look to its standouts, namely freshman phenom Ace Bailey, to take down the Trojans. He’s the focus of my USC vs. Rutgers predictions and college basketball picks for February 23.
USC vs Rutgers prediction
My best bet
Ace Bailey Over 6.5 rebounds (+100 at bet365)
My analysis
Ace Bailey’s debut college season has his name trending up the NBA Draft boards. And speaking of boards, that’s where the 6-foot-10 freshman can do serious damage tonight for the Rutgers Scarlet Knights.
On the season, Bailey is hauling in more than seven rebounds an outing and takes on a USC Trojans frontcourt ranked 244th in rebound rate.
The Trojans have been absolutely rag-dolled on the glass in their recent losses, getting outrebounded 153-104 in those four defeats (an average margin of -12.25 rebounds), including 53 offensive rebounds from opponents.
Bailey has been big on the offensive glass for the Scarlet Knights, snatching more than two offensive boards an outing. Four of his eight total rebounds in the overtime win at Washington on Wednesday came via the offensive glass.
His rebounding total for tonight reflects some quieter rebounding games for Bailey in recent weeks. Before those eight rebounds versus the Huskies, the first-year star had topped out at five rebounds in the three games prior. However, he was dealing with illness during this stretch, which limited his minutes and effectiveness.
Bailey has recorded seven or more boards in 15 of his last 20 games, and player projections for Sunday’s showdown with Southern Cal range from seven to as many as 12 rebounds.
My forecast has nine rebounds finding their way into Bailey’s massive wingspan, based on his return to health and this advantageous matchup. That's more than enough to get Over his current rebounding total of 6.5 boards.
USC vs Rutgers same-game parlay (SGP)
Ace Bailey 7+ rebounds
Ace Bailey 15+ points
Rutgers moneyline
Bailey is a beast on the boards and USC has been bullied on the glass during their current funk.
Offensive putbacks pump up Bailey’s point production with some models calling for a 20-point performance.
Rutgers really needs this win to stay out of the bottom of the Big Ten. Most game models call for a close victory for the Scarlet Knights.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
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USC vs Rutgers odds
USC vs Rutgers live odds
USC vs Rutgers opening odds
- Spread: USC +2 | Rutgers -2
- Moneyline: USC +146 | Rutgers -171
- Over/Under: Over 153 | Under 153
Odds courtesy of bet365
USC vs Rutgers betting trend to know
Southern Cal has gone Over the total in all seven of its true road games this season, with those final scores topping the number by an average of 6.9 ppg. Find more college basketball betting trends for USC vs. Rutgers.
How to watch USC vs Rutgers
| Location | Jersey Mike’s Arena, Piscataway, NJ |
| Date | Sunday, 2-23-2025 |
| Tip-off | 6:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | FS1 |
USC vs Rutgers key injuries
Not intended for use in MA.
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