USC Trojans vs. Indiana Hoosiers: Game Preview, How to Watch, Betting Odds

The USC Trojans travel to the Midwest to face a red-hot Indiana Hoosiers team on Wednesday, Jan. 8 at Assembly Hall. Tipoff is scheduled for 4:00 p.m. PT and will be broadcast on The Big Ten Network. Can USC escape Bloomington with a win?

Dec 18, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans guard Kevin Patton Jr. (8) celebrates after a three-point basket at the end of the first half against the Cal State Northridge Matadors at Galen Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images / Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The USC Trojans (9-5, 1-2 Big Ten) men’s basketball team makes the trip to Bloomington, IN to face a red-hot Indiana Hoosiers (12-3, 3-1) squad at Assembly Hall on Wednesday, Jan. 8. Tipoff is set for 4 p.m. PT and will be broadcast on the Big Ten Network. It will be the fourth meeting between these two programs on the court and the first since 1974.

USC has won four of its last five games but look to rebound from its loss to Michigan on Saturday, Jan. 4. The game featured 12 lead changes, but it was the Wolverines that pulled away late to defeat the Trojans 85-74. USC struggled mightily down the stretch scoring just three points in the final three minutes of regulation.

Dec 18, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans guard Kevin Patton Jr. (8) celebrates after a three-point basket at the end of the first half against the Cal State Northridge Matadors at Galen Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images / Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Four Trojans reached double figures, led by guards Desmond Claude and Wesley Yates III, who each scored a team-high 19 points. Yates, who did not play as a freshman last season for Washington after suffering an injury, had one of his best showings of the season. His development is an essential part of the Trojans success. Yates spoke about his growth after Saturday’s contest. 

“It's just been playing better and playing up to my standards,”’Yates said. “It looked like I had a solid game, but I don't feel like I had a good game at all because we didn't win. Whenever we win, it's cool to me, but it's important for me to not lose focus in the game. Just trying to make every possession count and I feel like once I do that, I'll have better results that can help the team."

MORE: USC Trojans Sign Transfer Kevin Longstreet From Texas A&M, QB Husan's Brother

MORE: USC Trojans Coach Lincoln Riley Visits 5-Star Brandon Arrington at Mount Miguel

MORE: USC Trojans Land Transfer Portal Quarterback Sam Huard, Former 5-Star Recruit

San Diego transfer Kevin Patton Jr. was impactful on both ends of the floor, he finished the night with a season-high 14 points, two blocks and one steal. 

“Kevin was phenomenal,” said USC coach Eric Musselman. “We are going to need him to play well for us and continue to grow. When you look at Wesley Yates as a freshman, I think he was perfect from the field until the last three minutes of the game. So we have a freshman and a sophomore that were really big in an early season Big Ten game, which is a positive. But we also have to grow our team, and they are two young players that we need to grow as we look to the future."

Indian has hit their stride, winning eight of its last nine games since Thanksgiving. The Hoosiers come into this matchup undefeated at home. It remains to be seen how the Trojans handle the 2,000-mile trip in what has become the new norm in college athletics with conference realignment.

USC has struggled heavily on the boards this season, something Indiana will surely take advantage of. The Hoosiers are coming off a six-point win over Penn State on Sunday, a game they led by as many as 16 points in the second half. Offensively, Indiana is led by its front court with forward Mackenzie Mgbako and center Oumar Ballo. The Hoosiers are 7.5-point favorites in this matchup. The total is set at 149.5 points.

MORE: USC Trojans Land Transfer Portal Running Back Waymond Jordan Over Ole Miss

MORE: USC Trojans Land Elite Transfer Portal Offensive Lineman DJ Wingfield From Purdue

MORE: Chicago Bears' Caleb Williams Leads Game-Winning Drive, Snaps 10-Game Losing Streak

MORE: Georgia Bulldogs Land Transfer Portal Receiver Zachariah Branch Over Miami