Illinois State @ USC - Point Spread - USC Win -16.5 - 2025-11-14 19:30:00 for Today, 11/14/25

The Illinois State Redbirds hit the road for Los Angeles to battle the USC Trojans of the Big Ten Conference on Friday evening. Illinois State suffered a 72-68 loss at Ohio in its only previous road game, falling as a 1-point underdog as the Under (161.5) cashed. On Sunday, last time out, it won 76-65 at home against Cornell of the Ivy League, cashing as a 6.5-point favorite as the Under (164.5) cashed. While it’s a small sample size, and this is a giant step up in competition, Illinois State has had difficulty scoring the basketball, while playing a pretty decent brand of defense.

For USC, they haven’t had any difficulty putting points on the board. It rolled to a 94-64 victory over Cal Poly in the opener on Nov. 3, comfortably covering as a 24.5-point favorite as the Under (164.5) cashed, while rolling Manhattan of the MAAC by a 114-83 score as 28-point favorites as the Over (155.5) easily came through. Illinois State might find it easier to score points against USC, who wants to run, run and run some more. USC should dictate the tempo in this game, but the Over is a risky play based on Illinois State’s results so far. The better play is laying the points, and it’s a little surprising the spread isn’t more than 20. Take advantage.

USC -16.5 (-110) at time of publishing. Playable to -18.5.