USC Trojans Edge Rutgers Scarlet Knights in Close Contest
Saturday, January 31, 2026, 7:00 PM ET · Galen Center
USC Trojans 78, Rutgers Scarlet Knights 75, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Rutgers Scarlet Knights vs USC Trojans?
USC Trojans beat Rutgers Scarlet Knights 78-75 at Galen Center on January 31, 2026.
Who was favored in Rutgers Scarlet Knights vs USC Trojans?
USC Trojans were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -950 (about 90% implied). The favorite won.
In a tightly contested matchup at the Galen Center, the USC Trojans narrowly defeated the Rutgers Scarlet Knights with a final score of 78-75. This game was significant as it showcased the contrasting fortunes of the two teams, with USC holding a strong home record of 16-6 compared to Rutgers' away record of 9-13. The Trojans entered the game with a mixed recent form, having gone 5-5 in their last ten games, while Rutgers struggled with a record of 4-6 and a current four-game losing streak.
USC's recent performances have been characterized by an average of 75.1 points scored and 73.6 points allowed over their last ten games. In their last five outings, they averaged 73.0 points scored and 71.6 points allowed, indicating a slight dip in offensive production. Their home record in the last ten games stands at 3-2, reflecting their ability to win on familiar ground despite some recent setbacks. Meanwhile, Rutgers has faced significant challenges, averaging 71.5 points scored and 77.4 points allowed in their last ten games. Their away record has been particularly troubling, as they have not secured a victory in their last three away games, contributing to their current struggles.
The matchup featured two teams that had previously met twice in the 2025 season, with each team winning one game. Rutgers had won the earlier encounter 95-85, while USC claimed victory in the second meeting with a score of 97-89. This history added an extra layer of intensity to the game, as both teams sought to assert their dominance in this rivalry.
In terms of injuries, the block did not provide specific details on player availability, but both teams would have been keen to field their strongest lineups given the stakes of the game. The market had USC as significant favorites, with DraftKings listing them at -11.5 on the spread and a moneyline of -950. Rutgers was positioned as the underdog with a moneyline of 625, indicating a strong belief in USC's ability to win the game outright.
The game conditions were conducive to a competitive atmosphere, with both teams bringing their best efforts to the court. As the game unfolded, viewers were treated to a series of scoring plays that highlighted individual talents. Notable moments included Tariq Francis making several key shots for Rutgers, including a layup and a pullup jump shot that kept the Scarlet Knights within striking distance late in the game. USC's ability to respond with free throws from Jacob Cofie and Kam Woods helped maintain their lead as the clock wound down.
Ultimately, USC's home win probability was calculated at 0.995, reflecting their strong position heading into the contest. The close scoreline, however, illustrated that Rutgers was not to be underestimated, as they fought hard until the final buzzer. The game served as a reminder of the unpredictability of college basketball, where even the underdogs can put up a fierce fight.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | USC -11.5 | 146.5 o -108 / u -112 | Rutgers Scarlet Knights +625 · USC Trojans -950 |
Leaders
- PointsEzra Ausar21USC Trojans
- AssistsKam Woods4USC Trojans
- ReboundsJacob Cofie10USC Trojans
- PointsTariq Francis26Rutgers Scarlet Knights
- AssistsTariq Francis5Rutgers Scarlet Knights
- ReboundsDylan Grant10Rutgers Scarlet Knights
Recent form
USC Trojans
Last 10: 5-5Streak L175.1 scored · 73.6 allowed per game3-2 at home
- L72-73at Iowa HawkeyesJan 29
- W73-71at Wisconsin BadgersJan 25
- L68-74vs Northwestern WildcatsJan 22
- L64-69vs Purdue BoilermakersJan 17
- W88-71vs Maryland TerrapinsJan 14
- W70-69at Minnesota Golden GophersJan 10
- L51-80at Michigan State SpartansJan 6
- L66-96at Michigan WolverinesJan 3
- W102-63vs UC Santa Cruz Banana SlugsDec 21
- W97-70vs UTSA RoadrunnersDec 18
Rutgers Scarlet Knights
Last 10: 4-6Streak L471.5 scored · 77.4 allowed per game0-3 away
- L79-88vs Michigan State SpartansJan 27
- L59-82vs Indiana HoosiersJan 23
- L62-68at Iowa HawkeyesJan 21
- L87-96at Wisconsin BadgersJan 17
- W77-75vs Northwestern WildcatsJan 11
- L55-81at Illinois Fighting IlliniJan 9
- W88-85vs Oregon DucksJan 6
- L73-80vs Ohio State BuckeyesJan 3
- W65-50vs Delaware State HornetsDec 30
- W70-69vs Pennsylvania QuakersDec 21
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Michigan | 37-3 | - | 19-1 |
| Nebraska | 28-7 | 4 | 15-5 |
| Michigan State | 27-8 | 4 | 15-5 |
| Illinois | 28-9 | 4 | 15-5 |
| Wisconsin | 24-11 | 5 | 14-6 |
| Purdue | 30-9 | 6 | 13-7 |
| UCLA | 24-12 | 6 | 13-7 |
| Ohio State | 21-13 | 7 | 12-8 |
| Iowa | 24-13 | 9 | 10-10 |
| Indiana | 18-14 | 10 | 9-11 |
| Minnesota | 15-18 | 11 | 8-12 |
| USC | 18-14 | 12 | 7-13 |
| Washington | 16-17 | 12 | 7-13 |
| Rutgers | 14-20 | 13 | 6-14 |
| Northwestern | 15-19 | 14 | 5-15 |
| Oregon | 12-20 | 14 | 5-15 |
| Maryland | 12-21 | 15 | 4-16 |
| Penn State | 12-20 | 16 | 3-17 |
Box score
| Stat | Rutgers Scarlet Knights | USC Trojans |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 29-74 | 26-51 |
| Field goal % | 39 | 51 |
| Three-pointers | 8-24 | 4-12 |
| Three-point % | 33 | 33 |
| Free throws | 9-12 | 22-30 |
| Free throw % | 75 | 73 |
| Rebounds | 33 | 40 |
| Offensive rebounds | 17 | 12 |
| Defensive rebounds | 16 | 28 |
| Assists | 14 | 16 |
| Steals | 7 | 6 |
| Blocks | 4 | 4 |
| Turnovers | 8 | 17 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 1 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 19 | 14 |
| Fast-break points | 12 | 8 |
| Points in the paint | 28 | 36 |
| Fouls | 21 | 13 |
| Largest lead | 2 | 19 |
| Lead changes | 1 | 1 |
| Time in front | 3 | 91 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half37-53Harun Zrno makes 26-foot three point jumper (Tariq Francis assists)
- 2nd Half37-56Chad Baker-Mazara makes 23-foot three point step back jumpshot (Alijah Arenas assists)
- 2nd Half39-56Bryce Dortch makes 0-foot tip in dunk
- 2nd Half41-56Chris Nwuli makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half41-57Kam Woods makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half44-57Lino Mark makes 24-foot three point jumper (Tariq Francis assists)
- 2nd Half45-57Tariq Francis makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half46-57Tariq Francis makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half49-57Lino Mark makes 23-foot three point jumper (Tariq Francis assists)
- 2nd Half49-59Jerry Easter II makes 11-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half49-61Chad Baker-Mazara makes driving layup
- 2nd Half49-62Chad Baker-Mazara makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half51-62Tariq Francis makes 13-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half51-63Ezra Ausar makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half54-63Kaden Powers makes 28-foot three point jumper (Tariq Francis assists)
- 2nd Half55-63Dylan Grant makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half55-64Ezra Ausar makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half55-65Ezra Ausar makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half55-66Kam Woods makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half55-67Kam Woods makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half55-68Ezra Ausar makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half55-69Ezra Ausar makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half55-71Ezra Ausar makes 3-foot dunk (Jacob Cofie assists)
- 2nd Half56-71Tariq Francis makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half57-71Tariq Francis makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half57-73Ezra Ausar makes 8-foot turnaround jump shot (Chad Baker-Mazara assists)
- 2nd Half57-74Ezra Ausar makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half59-74Kaden Powers makes driving layup (Lino Mark assists)
- 2nd Half61-74Dylan Grant makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half64-74Harun Zrno makes 26-foot three point jumper (Emmanuel Ogbole assists)
- 2nd Half64-75Ezra Ausar makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half64-76Ezra Ausar makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half66-76Tariq Francis makes layup
- 2nd Half66-77Jacob Cofie makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half68-77Tariq Francis makes driving layup (Emmanuel Ogbole assists)
- 2nd Half68-78Kam Woods makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half70-78Tariq Francis makes 19-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half71-78Tariq Francis makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half73-78Dylan Grant makes driving layup (Emmanuel Ogbole assists)
- 2nd Half75-78Tariq Francis makes 12-foot pullup jump shot
Win probability
Above the line favours USC Trojans, below favours Rutgers Scarlet Knights.
Venue
- Galen CenterLos Angeles, CA
- Attendance5322
- OfficialsVerne Harris, Tim Comer, Jason Phillips
Elsewhere
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- Tennessee's Ralph Scott to have knee surgery, out at least 6 months
- Men's NCAA basketball 2026-27 Way-Too-Early Top 25 rankings
- Transfers, recruits and roster moves for key men's NCAA basketball teams
- Michigan 5-star freshman Brandon McCoy Jr. (knee) to miss season
- With $6.5 million left on deal, UCLA fires AD Martin Jarmond