Nebraska Cornhuskers vs Usc Trojans Picks and Predictions January 22nd 2025

Nebraska Aims to End Losing Streak at Home Against USC

The Nebraska Cornhuskers return home on Wednesday night looking to snap a four-game losing streak as they host the USC Trojans in Lincoln. Nebraska has struggled both on the road and at home recently, while USC is also searching for consistency in Big Ten play.

Nebraska’s Home Fortress Has Been Breached

For much of the season, Pinnacle Bank Arena was a safe haven for Nebraska, but that changed when Rutgers ended the Cornhuskers’ 20-game home winning streak in an 85-82 loss last Thursday.

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The Huskers (12-6, 2-5 Big Ten) followed that up with a 69-66 road loss at Maryland on Sunday, despite a late rally that tied the game with just over a minute left.

Key Players for Nebraska

• Brice Williams (18.6 PPG, team’s top scorer) – Scored 21 vs. Rutgers, 14 vs. Maryland.
• Juwan Gary (11.7 PPG, No. 2 scorer) – Had 20 points vs. Rutgers but just 6 at Maryland.
• Andrew Morgan (17 points vs. Maryland) – Season-best performance, efficient shooting (7-for-12).
• Ahron Ulis (Career-high 10 assists vs. Maryland) – Strong facilitator despite late turnover.

Head coach Fred Hoiberg remains optimistic despite the team’s struggles.

“I didn’t see a lot of head-hanging and we played hard that game, we just didn’t play with the toughness that we needed,” Hoiberg said.

Nebraska also saw a streak of 36 consecutive wins when holding opponents under 70 points come to an end in the loss to Maryland.

USC Struggling to Find Rhythm in Big Ten Play

The Trojans (11-7, 3-4 Big Ten) are also coming off a loss, falling 84-69 at home to then-No. 24 Wisconsin on Saturday. Despite strong individual performances, USC was undone by turnovers (16) and Wisconsin’s 56.4% shooting.

Key Players for USC

• Desmond Claude (16.0 PPG, leading scorer) – Top offensive weapon.
• Saint Thomas (19 points vs. Wisconsin) – Versatile scorer, looks to stay hot.
• Rashaun Agee (15 points off the bench vs. Wisconsin) – Solid second-unit performer.

Despite the loss to Wisconsin, USC has had some strong road performances, including an 82-72 upset of then-No. 13 Illinois on Jan. 11.

Head coach Eric Musselman stressed the importance of silencing the home crowd.

“We have to figure out how to get ready on the road, which we have for the most part,” Musselman said. “I think we’ve done a good job taking the opposing team’s home crowd out of it.”

Coaching Battle: Two Former NBA Coaches Square Off

This game also features a matchup between two former NBA head coaches:

• Eric Musselman (USC) – Former head coach of the Golden State Warriors (2002-04) and Sacramento Kings (2006-07).
• Fred Hoiberg (Nebraska) – Former Chicago Bulls head coach (2015-19).

Their NBA experience brings an extra layer of strategy to this Big Ten battle.

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Can Nebraska Snap Its Losing Streak?

Nebraska is desperate for a win but must shake off its recent struggles at home and rediscover its offensive efficiency.

• Will Nebraska reclaim its home-court dominance?
• Can USC find consistency in Big Ten play?
• Which former NBA coach will outmaneuver the other?

With both teams looking to turn things around, expect a hard-fought battle in Lincoln as Nebraska tries to stop the skid against a dangerous USC squad.