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The Wichita State Shockers take on the USC Trojans in Stateline, NV. Tip-off is set for 11 p.m. ET on The CW.
USC is favored by 6.5 points on the spread with a moneyline of -285. The total is set at 156.5 points.
Here’s my Wichita State vs. USC prediction and college basketball picks for November 9, 2026.
Wichita State vs USC Prediction
Pick: USC -6.5
My Wichita State vs USC best bet is on the Trojans to cover the spread. Be sure to find the best lines by using our live NCAAB odds page and download the Action Network app for the latest picks and analysis.
Wichita State vs USC Odds
| Wichita State Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+6.5 -110 | 156.5 -115o / -105u | +230 |
| USC Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-6.5 -110 | 156.5 -115o / -105u | -285 |
- Wichita State vs USC spread: Wichita State +6.5 (-110), USC -6.5 (-110)
- Wichita State vs USC over/under: 156.5 (-115o / -105u)
- Wichita State vs USC moneyline: Wichita State +230, USC -285
Wichita State vs USC College Basketball Preview
Wichita State Basketball
Is this the year Wichita State returns to national prominence? It’s the Shockers' best chance to make the NCAA Tournament in the Paul Mills era.
The Shockers return six of their top seven scorers (TJ Williams is likely out for this matchup). Wichita State should have the continuity advantage in most games it plays during the non-conference slate.
The Shockers boast an electric guard/big tandem with guard Kenyon Giles and big man William Berg. Giles is playing on a TRO, as many Class of 2022 players are, so his availability is subject to change long term. As of now, Giles can play and he dropped 21 points and eight assists against Cal State Northridge.
Why’s that important? Usually, Giles is a pure scorer, but his flashing point guard skills could open up this Shockers offense.
Berg was on another level in the season opener, scoring 26 points with 16 rebounds against CSU Northridge. He took advantage of a smaller Matadors team, but this matchup will be more challenging.
Mills ensured he surrounded the Berg and Giles with shooters. Next to Giles is Jordan Frison, a six-foot guard who can also handle point guard duties along with shooting 45% from 3 last year at Chattanooga.
The other backcourt starter is Jahari Long, who adds more length next to the smaller Giles and Frison thanks to his 6-foot-5 frame.
Long-term, I’m curious if Wichita State can hold its own defensively with two guards below six-feet. That’s not very common nowadays and it could sting the Shockers.
USC Basketball
Eric Musselman had a disappointing first two seasons in L.A., finishing 12th in the Big Ten and missing the NCAA Tournament in both seasons.
With less drama and hopefully fewer injuries, the Trojans have the talent to be a consistent top-25 level bunch.
First, can we talk about how massive USC is? All five of its starters are 6-foot-5 or taller and three of them are 6-foot-10 or taller.
And it’s not like the Trojans are sacrificing shooting for size — the Ratliff twins (Adonis and Darius) are both shooting threats. Adonis drilled five in the Trojans ' season-opening win over Milwaukee.
What a treat it must be for Musselman to have a healthy Rodney Rice. Things went off the rails last season when Rice got hurt, and he could be one of the best point guards in the country this season. He returned to action with a 15-point, six-rebound, nine-assist outing.
The biggest wildcard is Alijah Arenas. He got thrown into a total disaster last season after a long injury layoff. Arenas is the most skilled scorer on the USC roster and gives the Trojans a higher ceiling.
Also, don’t sleep on KJ Lewis. The defensive dynamo could fill valuable minutes defending all these Wichita State guards.
Wichita State vs. USC Pick, Betting Analysis
I see a potential double-digit win for USC here.
A few angles stand out to me. The main one? USC has the size to keep Giles and Frison in check. I’m not sure how they score without those two going off.
Secondly, the versatility of USC’s frontcourt could put Berg in a tough spot.
Lay the points with the Trojans.
Pick: USC -6.5
