Rutgers Scarlet Knights vs Usc Trojans Picks and Predictions March 12th 2025

Big Ten Tournament Preview: USC Looks to Contain Rutgers’ Dylan Harper in High-Stakes Rematch

As the Big Ten Tournament tips off in Indianapolis, the No. 11 seed Rutgers Scarlet Knights (15-16) and No. 14 seed USC Trojans (15-16) face off in a win-or-go-home showdown on Wednesday. Both teams aim to extend difficult seasons with a five-game Cinderella run that would secure an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.

This matchup is a rematch of their February 23 meeting, where Rutgers claimed a 95-85 victory at home. Now, on a neutral court, USC looks for redemption while Rutgers hopes to continue its late-season surge.

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Rutgers’ Key to Victory: Dylan Harper and Perimeter Efficiency

Freshman sensation Dylan Harper was the star of the first meeting, delivering 25 points, nine assists, and six steals. Alongside fellow freshman standout Ace Bailey, Harper has helped Rutgers develop into a formidable offensive force.

One of the biggest reasons for Rutgers’ success in their last meeting was 3-point shooting. The Scarlet Knights connected on 9-of-20 (45%) from beyond the arc, well above their season average of 33.4%. If they can replicate that efficiency, they’ll put significant pressure on USC’s struggling defense.

Rutgers closed the regular season with a 3-2 record in its last five games, including a 75-67 overtime win over Minnesota on Sunday. Head coach Steve Pikiell believes his team is trending in the right direction.

“It’s a new season … and we have a new chance,” Pikiell said. “Going to a neutral site may be good for us. Our guys have gotten better. We have played some great basketball.”

USC’s Game Plan: Defensive Adjustments and More Balanced Scoring

USC’s biggest challenge in the rematch will be improving defensively. In the previous game, the Trojans allowed Rutgers to shoot 50.8% from the field and 45% from three, numbers that head coach Eric Musselman knows are unsustainable.

“Our starting unit defensively in a lot of the recent games, teams are shooting percentages against us that you don’t even shoot when nobody is guarding you,” Musselman said. “Look at the 3-point shots in some of our recent games … teams are shooting 70 percent.”

USC’s season-long opponent 3-point percentage (33.3%) is nearly identical to Rutgers’ shooting percentage from deep (33.4%), meaning the Trojans will need better close-outs and perimeter defense to avoid another shooting barrage.

Another major adjustment for USC will be finding more scoring depth. In the first meeting:

• Desmond Claude exploded for 30 points
• Wesley Yates III added 23 points
• No other Trojan scored in double figures

For USC to have a shot at victory, it must find more offensive balance and avoid being overly reliant on one or two players.

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What’s at Stake?

With identical 15-16 records, neither team is in contention for an at-large NCAA Tournament bid. However, the winner keeps its March Madness hopes alive for another day, while the loser’s season is over.

For Rutgers, this game is an opportunity to prove its young core is ready for the postseason spotlight. For USC, it’s a chance to salvage a disappointing season and end its six-loss-in-seven-games slide on a high note.

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Final Thoughts

Rutgers enters with momentum, having played better basketball down the stretch and already proving it can handle USC. However, a neutral-site rematch presents an opportunity for adjustments. If USC can tighten up defensively and generate more balanced scoring, an upset could be in the making.

Expect an intense, high-energy battle as both teams fight to keep their seasons alive in the Big Ten Tournament.

Key Game Details

• Matchup: No. 11 Rutgers (15-16) vs. No. 14 USC (15-16)
• Location: Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis
• Date & Time: Wednesday, March 13, 2024
• Broadcast: Big Ten Network

Who will survive and advance? All eyes will be on Dylan Harper and USC’s defensive response in this must-win showdown.