Purdue Boilermakers vs USC Trojans Picks and Predictions for Saturday January 17 2026
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Purdue visits USC at the Galen Center on Saturday, January 17, 2026 at 6:00 PM EST on Peacock, with Purdue -455 on the money line and USC +350, the total set at 155.5 (over -112, under -108), and the spread Purdue -9.5 (-108) with USC +9.5 (-112). Make sure you’re also checking out our free college basketball picks for more plays on tonight’s slate.
Purdue’s Offense is Built to Create Great Shots
Purdue comes in at 16-1 and has been rolling, with recent wins over Iowa, Penn State, Washington, Wisconsin, and Kent State.
The Boilermakers are averaging 86.0 points per game while allowing 68.3, and they’re shooting 52% from the field. They also bring 38.1 rebounds per game, a big-time 20.9 assists, plus 3.4 blocks and 5.9 steals.
The headline for me is 20.9 assists per game paired with 52% shooting—that combination screams efficient offense and consistent shot quality. Teams that move the ball like that are tough to keep within a number.
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USC Has Scoring, But the Defensive Baseline is Shaky
USC enters at 14-3 and recently beat Maryland and UC Santa Cruz, with a win over Minnesota in overtime, but also took losses to Michigan State and Michigan.
The Trojans score 84.5 points per game, but the points allowed number you provided is 762, which appears to be a typo, so I’m not going to rely on it. What we do have is USC shooting 48% with 37.6 rebounds, 16.5 assists, 5.9 blocks, and 6.7 steals.
USC’s shot-making (48%) and rim presence (5.9 blocks) give them a path to compete, but Purdue’s ball movement can blunt that by turning defense into rotations and open looks rather than constant challenges at the rim.
Purdue Boilermakers vs USC Trojans Pick
Purdue Boilermakers vs USC Trojans Pick
- Pick: Purdue -9.5 (-108)
I’m laying the points because Purdue’s statistical profile is built to stretch leads: elite efficiency (52% shooting), elite creation (20.9 assists), and a strong defense by points allowed (68.3). USC can score, but Purdue’s ability to consistently generate high-quality looks is what makes separation likely over 40 minutes.
Purdue Boilermakers vs USC Trojans Total Pick
- Pick: Over 155.5 (-112)
I’m taking the over because both teams are high-output offenses—Purdue at 86.0 PPG and USC at 84.5 PPG—with strong shooting percentages. Even if Purdue controls the game, they can still push this number by themselves, and USC has enough scoring structure to contribute.
Final Score Prediction: Purdue 86, USC 77
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