Washington State Cougars vs USC Trojans Prediction, Odds and Picks for Today, 12/14/25

The Washington State Cougars will hit the road for a matchup against a previous conference foe in the USC Trojans on Sunday evening. These teams are on much different trajectories coming into this game, as the Cougars are 3-7 SU and have dropped 4 games in a row. Meanwhile, the Trojans are riding high at 9-1, though an 84-76 loss to the Wazzu’s in-state rival Washington last Saturday could still be fresh on the minds of Eric Musselman’s squad. USC G Rodney Rice’s status remains in question, as he has not suited up in the last 4 games, while F Amarion Dickerson is out with a hip injury. 

Washington State’s resume is not pretty, nor are its efficiency numbers – particularly on the defensive side. The Cougars are 272nd in KenPom’s adjusted defensive efficiency and 333rd in opposing effective field goal percentage. Opponents have connected on nearly 39% of three-point shots against the Cougars, which is a bit unlucky and feels like a number due for some regression. Meanwhile, Wazzu has a trio of capable shooters that connect on at least 38% of perimeter attempts, and that doesn’t include Rihards Vavers – who is due for some regression back to the mean himself considering he’s shooting close to 10% below his career average thus far. 

If there are 2 areas in which Wazzu excels, it’s on the defensive glass and from the free throw line. The Cougars are capable of limiting USC’s second chance opportunities, and they will make the Trojans pay from the charity stripe if they defend too aggressively. Mix in the three-point variance and there’s certainly a path for what may be a desperate Wazzu team with slightly extra rest and preparation to stay within the number. 

Washington State vs USC prediction: Washington State Cougars +14.2 (-102) available at FanDuel at the time of publishing. Playable to +13. 

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