My USC vs. Wichita State prediction has the Trojans taking care of business and covering a 6.5-point spread in the Lake Tahoe Classic tonight.
USC enters this game as the far more battle-tested team, dating back to their exhibition matchups in October. Meanwhile, the Shockers have just one preseason game under their belts, along with an eight-point win over Cal State Northridge.
Don't miss our college basketball picks for Sunday, Nov. 8.
TOP PICK
Who will win USC vs Wichita State: USC -6.5
Wichita State already enters the season with defensive concerns. Even Lindy's College Basketball Preview noted that if the shots aren't falling for the Shockers, things could get ugly.
I love looking at who teams have played to prepare for the season. The Shockers only faced Murray State, losing 93-87. Meanwhile, USC played North Carolina, losing 88-70, UC San Diego, winning 80-74, and San Diego State, winning 85-68 in its final exhibition before the season started.
The exhibition matchups and early-season scrimmages should have this USC team overly prepared to play hard-nosed defense against this one-dimensional Shockers team. Meanwhile, the Trojans' offense is fully loaded with Alijah Arenas, Rodney Rice, and Adonis Ratliff.
The number is starting to drop, so make sure you get the best one. Do not take anything above 6.5. I snagged USC -5.5.
COVERS INTEL: Wichita State had no answers for CSUN star guard Josiah Davis in its first game. Davis finished with 15 points on 6-for-18 shooting and dished out six assists. The Shockers cycled through several failed strategies before finding a way to defend him, and he still managed to get buckets.
USC vs Wichita State Over/Under pick: Over 155.5
The pace should easily be there for this total to go Over.
The Trojans rank 39th in the country in pace, per Haslametrics. The Shockers prefer a more moderate tempo, but I find it hard to see them dictating the pace in this matchup when they're clearly the inferior team.
If the Trojans can take advantage of Wichita State's defensive issues, they could make this a long evening for the Shockers.
USC vs Wichita State combo
Backing the more complete team, which has been far more battle-tested this early in the season, to cover while also backing the Over 155.5 at a 3.81x payout is well worth it. This matchup should feature a fast pace and plenty of quality scorers.
USC vs Wichita State combo
- USC -6.5
- Over 155.5
- Top picks: 13-7, +6.77 units
USC vs Wichita State odds
For help understanding probabilities, see our odds calculator.
- Spread: USC -6.5 | Wichita State +6.5
- Over/Under: Over 155.5 | Under 155.5
- Moneyline: USC 70% | Wichita State 31%
For the full slate of college basketball matchups, check out our college basketball odds board!
USC vs Wichita State trend
The Trojans are 5-1 ATS in their last six neutral site games as a favorite. Find more college basketball betting trends.
How to watch USC vs Wichita State
| Location | Tahoe Blue Event Center, Stateline, Nevada |
| Date | Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026 |
| Tip off | 11 p.m. ET |
| TV | The CW |
USC vs Wichita State latest injuries
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