Preview: Illinois Faces Southern California in Cross-Conference Clash LOS ANGELES (Interstat) — A high-stakes nonconference matchup between two ranked men’s basketball teams is set for Wednesday night when the Illinois Fighting Illini visit the Southern California Trojans at Galen Center. The game, organized by the Big Ten, features Illinois (21-5) riding high after a dominant 71-51 victory over Indiana on Sunday. Southern California (18-7) looks to rebound from an 89-82 road loss at Ohio State last Wednesday. Illinois, winners of seven of its last nine, is led by standout guard David Mirkovic. He is coming off a 25-point, 7-rebound performance against Indiana and has averaged 16.4 points over his last eight games. His backcourt battle with USC’s dynamic scorer Alijah Arenas will be pivotal. Arenas has been on a tear, averaging 24.3 points over his last three contests, including a 29-point outing in a win over Indiana on Feb. 3. The Fighting Illini have shown resilience, with their five losses coming by a combined 19 points, including two overtime defeats. Their defense has been stifling, holding opponents to an average of 58.3 points in their last three wins. The Trojans have proven formidable at home, boasting a 12-2 record at Galen Center this season. Their conference wins over Indiana and Rutgers highlight their capability, but consistency has been an issue, as seen in a January loss to Northwestern. Illinois’s interior presence, featuring Tomislav Ivisic and Keaton Wagler, who combined for 32 points and 12 rebounds against Indiana, will test a USC frontcourt anchored by Jacob Cofie and Ezra Ausar. This contest serves as a crucial resume builder for both teams ahead of March, with Illinois seeking a marquee road win and USC aiming for a signature victory to bolster its tournament standing. Tip-off is scheduled for 8 p.m. EST Wednesday.