Sat Jan 18 21:50:00 UTC 2025: ## Badgers Face Tough Test Against Resurgent USC Trojans in LA Showdown

**LOS ANGELES, CA** – The 24th-ranked Wisconsin Badgers (4-0 Big Ten) head to Los Angeles this Saturday for a highly anticipated matchup against the surging USC Trojans at the Galen Center (2:00 PM CT, Big Ten Network). Wisconsin enters the game on the heels of a narrow 70-68 victory over Ohio State, a game decided by strong free-throw shooting (25-of-28). John Tonje led the Badgers with 17 points, including nine of their final twelve.

USC, under new coach Eric Musselman, has overcome early season struggles to become a formidable opponent. After a 9-6 start, the Trojans have notched impressive wins over No. 13 Illinois and Iowa, fueled by the stellar play of transfer Desmond Claude. Claude averages 22 points per game in Big Ten play and leads the team in assists (4.2 apg). Other key players include Chibuzo Agbo (12.8 ppg, strong three-point shooter), and Wesley Yates III (averaging 16.8 PPG over the last five games). The Trojans will be without starting forward Terrace Williams II due to a wrist injury.

While USC boasts a potent offense, they are the worst rebounding team in the conference (32.7 rpg), a weakness Wisconsin hopes to exploit. The game is expected to be a close contest, with a potential shootout between Tonje and Claude. The analyst predicts a Wisconsin victory, banking on their ability to secure key defensive stops in the final minutes.

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