The University of Nebraska-Lincoln Cornhuskers and the University of Southern California Trojans are set to face off on February 28 at the Galen Center, a matchup that holds significant implications for both teams. Nebraska, seeking to solidify its position in the conference standings, enters the contest with a strong overall record, while USC looks to revive its season and keep its slim postseason hopes alive. The Cornhuskers, with their impressive NET ranking, are poised to make a statement on the road against a Trojan team that has struggled in recent games.
As the regular season draws to a close, the margins between evenly matched teams have grown increasingly thin, and this game is no exception. With Nebraska aiming to maintain its momentum and USC fighting to stay relevant, the outcome of this contest could have a profound impact on the conference race. The Trojans, with their only path to the postseason being a conference tournament title, will need to pull off a significant upset to keep their chances alive. Meanwhile, a win for the Huskers would further cement their position as a projected NCAA Tournament team, underscoring the high stakes involved in this late-season showdown.
Averaging 17.9 points per game, has been the team's leading scorer, with his 45% three-point shooting also being a key factor in Nebraska's success. The team's overall record of 23-4, including a 12-4 mark in the Big Ten, has been bolstered by strong performances from , who has contributed 13.8 points and 6.2 rebounds per game. With a 6-4 record against Quad 1 opponents, Nebraska has demonstrated an ability to compete against top-tier teams, as evidenced by recent wins, including an 87-64 victory over Penn State on February 21.
His 4.6 assists per game making him a crucial playmaker, has been instrumental in Nebraska's offense, which has also featured significant contributions from , who has averaged 10.6 points and 3.8 assists per game. The team's recent form has been marked by some inconsistency, with losses to Iowa and Purdue in their last five games, but a win over Northwestern on February 14 and a road victory at Rutgers on February 7 have helped to maintain momentum. With averaging 11.7 points per game, Nebraska has a balanced attack that will look to test USC's defense in their upcoming matchup.
Averaging 18.8 points per game, has been a crucial component of USC's offense, complemented by his 4.3 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game. The team's leading scorer, Rodney Rice, has been instrumental in driving the team's success, with his 20.3 points per game accompanied by 3.3 rebounds and 6.0 assists per game. His 6.0 assists per game have been particularly valuable in facilitating the team's offense. With 15.3 points per game, has also been a key contributor, pairing his scoring with 6.5 rebounds per game.
In recent games, USC has struggled, with losses in four of their last five games, including a 62-81 defeat at UCLA and a 70-71 loss to Oregon. Despite this, has continued to produce, averaging 13.9 points per game, while has provided a strong presence in the paint, with 9.6 points and 7.0 rebounds per game. His 2.1 assists per game have also been an asset to the team, as they look to bounce back from their recent skid against Nebraska. With their Quad 1 record at 2-6, USC will be looking to capitalize on this opportunity to bolster their postseason resume.
The matchup between Nebraska's Rienk Mast and USC's Ezra Ausar will be pivotal in determining the outcome of this game. Mast, a versatile big man, will need to contend with Ausar's athleticism and scoring ability in the paint. Ausar's 6.5 rebounds per game suggest he is a formidable presence on the glass, which could limit Mast's opportunities for second-chance points. If Mast can effectively neutralize Ausar's impact, it would significantly hinder USC's offense and create opportunities for Nebraska to control the tempo.
Mast's ability to distribute the ball, averaging 3.1 assists per game, could also be a key factor in this matchup. If he can draw Ausar away from the basket and find open teammates, it could create scoring opportunities for the Cornhuskers. Conversely, if Ausar can shut down Mast's passing lanes and limit his scoring, USC's chances of winning will increase substantially. The battle between these two big men will be a fascinating subplot, with the winner likely gaining a significant advantage for their team.
CHD Scout Prediction
Nebraska
81
USC
69
The model predicts a decisive Nebraska victory, 81-69, with an 83.5% win probability, and I agree with this assessment. Nebraska's superior overall record and NET ranking suggest a significant gap in quality between the two teams, which I believe will be the decisive factor in this game. Specifically, Nebraska's impressive 23-4 record, which has earned them a NET ranking of 11, indicates a level of consistency and strength that USC, with a NET ranking of 58, is unlikely to match, leading me to predict a Nebraska win.
As the season enters its final stretch, this matchup holds significant implications for both teams' postseason aspirations. For Nebraska, a win would bolster their already strong NCAA Tournament resume, potentially improving their seeding in the process. With a 6-4 record in Quad 1 games, the Cornhuskers have demonstrated an ability to compete against elite opponents, and a victory over USC would add to their impressive collection of wins. In contrast, USC's postseason hopes are squarely focused on winning the conference tournament, as their NET ranking and Quad 1 record make an at-large bid unlikely. While a win for the Trojans would be a notable upset, it would not significantly alter their tournament trajectory, whereas a loss would essentially end any faint hopes of an at-large consideration. Ultimately, Nebraska's postseason seeding and potential to make a deep tournament run hang in the balance, making this game a crucial test of their mettle against a hungry, albeit overmatched, USC squad.