Illinois State Redbirds vs USC Trojans Prediction, Odds and Picks for Today, 11/14/25

The Illinois State Redbirds hit the road to Los Angeles to battle the USC Trojans of the Big Ten 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 while 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, the Trojans haven’t had any difficulty putting points on the board. They rolled to a 94-64 victory over Cal Poly in the opener on November 3, comfortably covering as a 24.5-point favorite while the under (164.5) cashed. The also rolled Manhattan of the MAAC by a score of 114-83 as 28-point favorites. The over (155.5) easily came through in that one.

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.

Illinois State vs USC prediction: USC Trojans -16.5 (-110) at time of publishing. Playable to -18.5.

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