USC vs. Minnesota: Fade the Storm | January 9, 2026
Written by: Colby Marchio
Last Update: Fri Jan 09, 2026, 10:58 am ET
Read Time: 4 minutes
ncaab
Minnesota returns to the Barn riding high after a statement win over No. 19 Iowa, but the celebration may be short lived. USC comes in desperate for a conference win after a brutal stretch against Michigan and Michigan State. The Trojans have remained in Minneapolis all week and should be rested and focused. This matchup sets up as a classic momentum versus urgency spot. Minnesota has defended home court well, though the schedule has been soft. USC owns experience against top competition and wants to push the pace. Something has to give in this Big Ten showdown.
Write Up Transparency
Be sure to follow me on X/Twitter @C_marchio2 to get my full card every day! Picks are always FREE.
Last 7 Days: 7-11 (-6.08 Units)
Last 30 Days: 22-34 (-18.78 Units)
Full fade!!!
USC vs. Minnesota Odds
Can USC end this three-game road trip on a high note?
You can find all of these great College Basketball odds on Lucky Rebel. Get a $1,250 deposit bonus & 50 Slot Spins when you sign up!
Spread
USC: +4.0 (-108)
Minnesota: -4.0 (-112)
Total
Over: 145.5 (-109)
Under: 145.5 (-111)
Moneyline
USC: +155
Minnesota: -190
USC vs. Minnesota Bet
Game of the day goes down at the Barn in Minneapolis, as the Golden Gophers host the USC Trojans after a massive victory in their last outing. Meanwhile, the Trojans have struggled to find answers during a long Midwest road trip. Can the Gophers keep the momentum rolling, or will USC finally wake up away from home?
Fade the Storm
I have had this matchup circled since Tuesday, after Minnesota upset No. 19 Iowa 70 to 67. Following that win, the Minnesota faithful stormed the court in celebration over a ranked conference rival. For those unaware, I live by a code that states if a team storms a field or court, I must fade them in the following game. Minnesota now has to flip the page and take on USC, a team that has been sitting since Monday in the Land of 10,000 Lakes. If anyone is questioning whether the Trojans traveled back to California and then returned, that is incorrect. The team was at the Timberwolves game on Wednesday. They will be more than ready for this matchup.
Team outing to the @Timberwolves game ✌️ pic.twitter.com/pqWoR2yrzG
— USC Men's Basketball (@USC_Hoops) January 7, 2026
This feels like the perfect get right spot for USC, coming off road games against the Big Ten's best. Last Friday they lost to Michigan by 30, then followed it up with a 29 point loss to Michigan State on Monday. Spots like this matter, especially against a team coming off its biggest win of the season. USC is starving for another conference win.
This will mark USC's eighth game against a top 100 opponent. They currently own a 4-3 record, with wins over Illinois State, Boise State, Seton Hall, and Oregon. All of those came in the first month of the season. Since then, they have lost to Washington, Michigan, and Michigan State. Haslametrics grades USC's schedule as the 26th toughest in the country. Through those seven games, they still own a top 100 offense and defense. They do a great job getting to the line, blocking shots, and guarding the perimeter.
On the other side, Minnesota is currently undefeated at home, a perfect 9-0. That is impressive, until the schedule is examined more closely. Excluding wins over Indiana and Iowa, they have played five teams in the 300's and two inside the top 250. Against top 100 teams, they are 3-4 and have struggled in several areas, including forcing turnovers, defending the perimeter, and blocking shots.
USC is going to look to speed this game up and pull Minnesota out of its comfort zone. The Trojans rank 63rd in pace, while the Gophers are the 41st slowest team in the country. The home team typically dictates tempo, but USC has what it takes to turn this into a track meet.
Fade the Storm.
Best Bet: USC +4 (-108) on Lucky Rebel
NCAAB Betting News NCAAB Betting News NCAAB Betting News NCAAB Betting NewsMore NCAAB News
NCAA Expands March Madness Tournament to 76 Teams Beginning in 2027
NCAA Basketball Transfer Portal Update: Portal Entries and New Signings
NCAA Basketball Coaching Changes: Where Are They Now?
#2 UConn vs. #1 Michigan Picks and Predictions: National Championship
Interested in More Content
Follow me on X @C_marchio2 for all of my picks and sports opinions!
Be sure to check out all things Betting News on X and Twitch!
While you are at it go get some merch at our Betting News Store!
In need of a sportsbook? Check out one of our favorites below and sign-up for a bonus!
Check Out All of Our Resources at Betting News
Former D1 (club) baseball player, Colby has been betting since his college days at DePaul, where he had to endure the worst collegiate basketball the Big East has ever seen. He is an advanced analytics nerd and has never seen an underdog he has not liked. Hot. Corn. Bull. It does not matter the dog he loves them all.
This site contains commercial content. We may be compensated for the links provided on this page. The content on this page is for informational purposes only. Betting News makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the information given or the outcome of any game or event.