Preview: Purdue Boilermakers at Southern California Trojans

LOS ANGELES (Interstat) — A top-tier nonconference clash highlights the weekend slate as the Purdue Boilermakers visit the Southern California Trojans on Saturday at Galen Center.

Purdue (16-1), the visiting team in this Big Ten-organized matchup, carries a nine-game winning streak into Los Angeles. The Boilermakers are coming off a 79-72 home win over Iowa on Wednesday, led by guard Braden Smith’s 16 points and eight assists.

Smith has been the engine for Purdue’s high-powered offense, averaging nearly a double-double over his last six games. He is fresh off a 26-point, 14-assist performance in a 93-85 win over Penn State on Jan. 10 and has recorded double-digit assists in three of his last six outings.

Southern California (14-3) has won two straight, including an 88-71 victory over Maryland on Tuesday. Guard Jordan Marsh led the Trojans with 20 points in that contest. However, USC’s record includes two blowout road losses to open January, falling at Michigan State (80-51) and at Michigan (96-66).

The Trojans will need a consistent performance from Marsh and frontcourt players Jacob Cofie and Ezra Ausar to counter Purdue’s disciplined system. USC is 9-0 at home this season.

This game serves as a major resume opportunity for the Trojans and a test of Purdue’s prowess away from West Lafayette. The Boilermakers’ lone loss came against Iowa State on Dec. 6.

Following this matchup, Purdue continues its West Coast swing at UCLA on Jan. 20. USC remains home to host Northwestern on Jan. 21.

Tip-off is set for Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026, at Galen Center.