USC Trojans Edge Penn State Nittany Lions 77-75
Sunday, February 8, 2026, 12:00 PM ET · Bryce Jordan Center
USC Trojans 77, Penn State Nittany Lions 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 USC Trojans vs Penn State Nittany Lions?
USC Trojans beat Penn State Nittany Lions 77-75 at Bryce Jordan Center on February 8, 2026.
Who was favored in USC Trojans vs Penn State Nittany Lions?
USC Trojans were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -192 (about 66% implied). The favorite won.
In a closely contested matchup, the USC Trojans narrowly defeated the Penn State Nittany Lions with a final score of 77-75 at the Bryce Jordan Center. This game was particularly significant as it showcased the contrasting fortunes of both teams in the current season. The Trojans entered the game with a strong away record of 18-6, while the Nittany Lions struggled at 10-14 overall, highlighting the disparity in performance.
The recent form of both teams further emphasized this difference. Penn State had a dismal record of 1-9 in their last ten games, with an average of 72.3 points scored and a concerning 86.8 points allowed per game. Their only recent victory came against Minnesota, where they managed to win 77-75 on February 1. In contrast, USC had a more balanced performance, going 5-5 in their last ten outings, with an average of 71.1 points scored and 75.3 points allowed. The Trojans were riding a two-game winning streak, having recently defeated Indiana 81-75 and Rutgers 78-75.
When examining home and away performances, Penn State had a home record of 1-4 in their last five games, while USC's away record stood at 2-3. This further illustrated the struggles of the Nittany Lions, particularly at home, where they have been unable to capitalize on their familiar surroundings.
In terms of previous meetings, this was a rematch from the previous season where USC had also emerged victorious, defeating Penn State 92-67 on February 12, 2025. This history may have played a psychological role in the game, as USC aimed to maintain their dominance over the Nittany Lions.
Injuries did not appear to be a significant factor in this matchup according to the block, allowing both teams to field their best players. The absence of key players can often shift the dynamics of a game, but in this case, both squads were intact, contributing to the competitive nature of the contest.
The betting market reflected the expectations leading up to the game, with DraftKings pricing USC as 3.5-point favorites. The total points line was set at 157.5, indicating an anticipated high-scoring affair. This was consistent with both teams' scoring averages, particularly Penn State's tendency to allow a high number of points.
The conditions in the arena were typical for a college basketball game, with fans eager to support their teams. The atmosphere at the Bryce Jordan Center was electric, as home fans hoped for an upset against the favored Trojans.
As the game unfolded, viewers witnessed a thrilling second half, with multiple lead changes and clutch plays. Key moments included Alijah Arenas making crucial free throws and a driving layup that ultimately secured the win for USC. The final minutes were marked by intense back-and-forth scoring, with both teams exchanging baskets in a high-pressure environment.
In conclusion, the USC Trojans' victory over the Penn State Nittany Lions not only showcased their resilience but also highlighted the ongoing struggles of the Nittany Lions. With the final score of 77-75, the game served as a reminder of the unpredictability of college basketball, where every possession counts and the outcome can hinge on a few pivotal plays.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | USC -3.5 | 157.5 o -105 / u -115 | USC Trojans -192 · Penn State Nittany Lions +160 |
Leaders
- PointsFreddie Dilione V23Penn State Nittany Lions
- AssistsFreddie Dilione V4Penn State Nittany Lions
- ReboundsIvan Juric8Penn State Nittany Lions
- PointsAlijah Arenas24USC Trojans
- AssistsKam Woods9USC Trojans
- ReboundsJacob Cofie7USC Trojans
Recent form
Penn State Nittany Lions
Last 10: 1-9Streak L172.3 scored · 86.8 allowed per game1-4 at home
- L69-110at Michigan WolverinesFeb 5
- W77-75vs Minnesota Golden GophersFeb 1
- L73-94at Northwestern WildcatsJan 30
- L78-84at Ohio State BuckeyesJan 27
- L71-98vs Wisconsin BadgersJan 23
- L73-96at Maryland TerrapinsJan 18
- L60-71vs UCLA BruinsJan 15
- L85-93at Purdue BoilermakersJan 10
- L72-74vs Michigan WolverinesJan 7
- L65-73vs Illinois Fighting IlliniJan 4
USC Trojans
Last 10: 5-5Streak W271.1 scored · 75.3 allowed per game2-3 away
- W81-75vs Indiana HoosiersFeb 4
- W78-75vs Rutgers Scarlet KnightsFeb 1
- 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
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 | USC Trojans | Penn State Nittany Lions |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 29-60 | 30-58 |
| Field goal % | 48 | 52 |
| Three-pointers | 6-19 | 6-18 |
| Three-point % | 32 | 33 |
| Free throws | 13-18 | 9-15 |
| Free throw % | 72 | 60 |
| Rebounds | 34 | 31 |
| Offensive rebounds | 12 | 9 |
| Defensive rebounds | 22 | 22 |
| Assists | 15 | 12 |
| Steals | 10 | 12 |
| Blocks | 7 | 3 |
| Turnovers | 15 | 17 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 2 |
| Technical fouls | 1 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 1 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 1 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 20 | 19 |
| Fast-break points | 13 | 13 |
| Points in the paint | 38 | 42 |
| Fouls | 17 | 16 |
| Largest lead | 6 | 12 |
| Lead changes | 10 | 10 |
| Time in front | 46 | 41 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half38-50Freddie Dilione V makes 0-foot dunk (Kayden Mingo assists)
- 2nd Half39-50Ezra Ausar makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half40-50Ezra Ausar makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half40-51Ivan Juric makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half42-51Jerry Easter II makes 18-foot jumper (Kam Woods assists)
- 2nd Half42-53Freddie Dilione V makes driving layup
- 2nd Half44-53Alijah Arenas makes 13-foot jumper (Kam Woods assists)
- 2nd Half45-53Ezra Ausar makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half46-53Ezra Ausar makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half48-53Jacob Cofie makes layup (Kam Woods assists)
- 2nd Half51-53Jordan Marsh makes 22-foot three point jumper (Kam Woods assists)
- 2nd Half51-54Kayden Mingo makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half51-55Kayden Mingo makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half53-55Kam Woods makes layup (Jordan Marsh assists)
- 2nd Half55-55Kam Woods makes driving layup
- 2nd Half56-55Kam Woods makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half56-56Freddie Dilione V makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half57-56Alijah Arenas makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half58-56Alijah Arenas makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half60-56Gabe Dynes makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half60-58Dominick Stewart makes layup (Justin Houser assists)
- 2nd Half61-58Ryan Cornish makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half62-58Ryan Cornish makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half64-58Kam Woods makes layup
- 2nd Half64-60Ivan Juric makes layup
- 2nd Half64-61Ivan Juric makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half64-63Kayden Mingo makes 8-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half64-65Josh Reed makes driving layup
- 2nd Half67-65Alijah Arenas makes 24-foot three point jumper (Gabe Dynes assists)
- 2nd Half67-66Freddie Dilione V makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half69-66Jacob Cofie makes layup (Alijah Arenas assists)
- 2nd Half69-68Josh Reed makes layup (Ivan Juric assists)
- 2nd Half72-68Alijah Arenas makes 25-foot three point jumper (Jordan Marsh assists)
- 2nd Half72-71Josh Reed makes 26-foot three point jumper (Freddie Dilione V assists)
- 2nd Half73-71Alijah Arenas makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half74-71Alijah Arenas makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half74-73Dominick Stewart makes driving layup (Freddie Dilione V assists)
- 2nd Half75-73Alijah Arenas makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half75-75Freddie Dilione V makes layup (Dominick Stewart assists)
- 2nd Half77-75Alijah Arenas makes driving layup
Win probability
Above the line favours Penn State Nittany Lions, below favours USC Trojans.
Venue
- Bryce Jordan CenterUniversity Park, PA
- Attendance6504
- OfficialsBrian Dorsey, Paul Szelc, Jim Bruno
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- 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
Picks for NCAAB
NCAAB rules and settlement
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- USC Trojans Edge Penn State Nittany Lions 31-23Oct 10, 2026