Nebraska Cornhuskers vs. USC Trojans Picks and Prediction for Saturday, February 28, 2026
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Nebraska heads west, riding one of the best records in the Big Ten at 24-4 overall and 13-4 in conference play. USC sits at 18-10 and 7-10 in league action, trying to steady the ship after a rough stretch. For more betting insight, check out free college basketball picks as this matchup tips at 4:00 PM ET on BTN from the Galen Center in Los Angeles. Slam dunk your bets with our College Basketball picks.
Nebraska Preview
Nebraska has won three of the last four, including decisive victories over Maryland 74-61 and Penn State 87-64. The Cornhuskers are scoring 78.5 points per game while allowing just 65.4, a strong scoring margin that reflects balance on both ends. Fred Hoiberg’s group shoots 47 percent from the field and averages 18.2 assists per contest, showing consistent ball movement.
Pryce Sandfort leads the way at 17.9 points per game while shooting 47.4 percent from the floor and 40.4 percent from deep. Rienk Mast adds 13.8 points and 6.1 rebounds, and Sam Hoiberg contributes 9.6 points, 5.4 boards, 4.6 assists, and 2.1 steals per game. Nebraska also protects the ball well at 9.5 turnovers per game, which becomes critical on the road.
USC Preview
USC enters this one having lost four straight, including an 81-62 setback at UCLA and a 101-65 loss to Illinois. The Trojans are scoring 79.6 points per game but allowing 76.8, and turnovers have been an issue at 12.6 per contest. USC does hold a rebounding edge at 37.1 boards per game and blocks 5.5 shots, which can help around the rim.
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Chad Baker-Mazara paces USC with 18.6 points per game while shooting 44.4 percent from the field and 89.1 percent from the line. Ezra Ausar adds 15.3 points and 6.4 rebounds, and Jacob Cofie averages 9.8 points with 7.0 rebounds and 1.7 blocks. USC’s frontcourt length gives the Trojans a presence inside, but perimeter efficiency has been inconsistent at 32.2 percent from three as a team.
Nebraska vs USC Prediction
Nebraska’s ability to limit opponents to 65.4 points per game stands out against a USC team that has struggled defensively during this losing streak. The Cornhuskers are more efficient from three at 35.7 percent and take better care of the ball, which should travel well even in a true road setting.
Prediction: Nebraska 78, USC 70
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