The No. 1 seed USC Trojans will face the No. 9 Mississippi State Bulldogs in the second round of the Women’s NCAA Tournament Monday night. The matchup will take place at the Galen Center in Los Angeles, with tip-off set for 10 p.m. ET on ESPN.
USC enters the game fresh off a victory over UNC-Greensboro. Mississippi State, on the other hand, earned a gritty win over No. 8 seed California. Can USC continue its march toward its first title since 1984, or will Mississippi State pull off a shocking upset? Let’s break down the odds and make a prediction.
USC vs. Mississippi State Betting Preview
All USC vs. Mississippi State odds are from DraftKings Sportsbook and are correct as of Monday, March 24, 2025.
- Spread: USC -18.5
- Moneyline: USC -4500, Mississippi State +1300
- Over/Under: 145.5
- Game Time: Monday, March 24, 2025, 10 p.m. ET
- Location: Galen Center | Los Angeles, CA
- How to Watch: ESPN
USC enters this matchup as a heavy favorite, given its dominant performance in the first round and its overall +716 scoring differential this season. The Trojans average 81.1 points per game while allowing just 58.8, making them one of the most balanced teams in the nation.
Mississippi State, despite its solid showing against California, faces an uphill battle. The Bulldogs rank 38th in the country in scoring (75.5 PPG) but will be up against a top-tier USC defense. The Trojans’ ability to lock down opponents, combined with their offensive firepower, justifies the hefty point spread.
USC vs. Mississippi State CSN Winning Probability
CSN Winning Probability: USC 91%, Mississippi State 9%
The CSN probability heavily favors USC, aligning with the Vegas odds.
While Mississippi State can play physical defense and slow the pace of the game, it lacks the offensive firepower to keep up with the Trojans. The Bulldogs’ struggles against elite competition this season make an upset unlikely.
Prediction for USC vs. Mississippi State
USC is playing its best basketball at the right time. JuJu Watkins continues to prove why she’s one of the best players in the country, and the Trojans’ defense is suffocating.
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Mississippi State will likely struggle to generate consistent offense against USC’s length and athleticism.
Expect the Bulldogs to put up a fight early, but the Trojans should pull away in the second half, riding Watkins’ scoring ability and a stingy defensive effort to a comfortable win.
Prediction: USC 88, Mississippi State 62
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