Southern California Looks to Keep Rolling at Penn State

Trojans chase first 3-game Big Ten win streak in program's first visit to State College

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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Southern California will look to extend its winning streak to three games in Big Ten play when it visits Penn State on Sunday. The Trojans are coming off a home victory over Indiana, led by a breakout performance from freshman Alijah Arenas. Penn State, meanwhile, is looking to bounce back after a blowout loss to No. 2 Michigan, as the Nittany Lions continue to struggle with injuries and illness.

Why it matters

This matchup features two teams heading in opposite directions in the Big Ten. USC is looking to build momentum with a third straight conference win, while Penn State is trying to end an eight-game losing streak and find some consistency amid a challenging season.

The details

USC freshman Alijah Arenas, the son of former NBA player Gilbert Arenas, had a career-high 29 points and 6 rebounds in the Trojans' win over Indiana. Leading scorer Chad Baker-Mazara was held to just 7 points. Penn State was without starters Eli Rice and Ivan Juric in its blowout loss to Michigan, and the Nittany Lions' defense was shredded, allowing 60.6% shooting and 51.7% from 3-point range.

  • USC has won 2 straight Big Ten games heading into Sunday's matchup.
  • Penn State ended an 8-game losing streak with a home win over Minnesota last weekend.
  • Penn State was crushed 110-69 at No. 2 Michigan on Thursday.

The players

Alijah Arenas

USC freshman who had a career-high 29 points and 6 rebounds in the Trojans' win over Indiana.

Chad Baker-Mazara

USC's leading scorer who was held to just 7 points against Indiana.

Eli Rice

Penn State starter who missed the loss to Michigan due to injury or illness.

Ivan Juric

Penn State starter who missed the loss to Michigan due to injury or illness.

Kayden Mingo

Penn State freshman scoring 13.7 points per game with 4.5 assists, 3.5 rebounds and 2.2 steals.

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What they’re saying

“My team kept me level-headed, kept me together. Without my team, I kind of started losing myself, which is why I'm grateful to have them. And then I keep the mental side of just continuing to play, no matter what happens.”

— Alijah Arenas (statenews.net)

“We knew the situation we were in. I felt we had to make 10 to 12 (3-pointers) to give ourselves a chance today, and we didn't, but we didn't stop them.”

— Mike Rhoades, Penn State coach (statenews.net)

What’s next

Penn State will look to bounce back at home against Wisconsin on Wednesday, while USC will try to extend its winning streak on the road at Rutgers next Saturday.

The takeaway

This game showcases the contrasting fortunes of the two teams, with USC riding high after a pair of Big Ten wins and Penn State struggling to find consistency amid injuries and illness. The Trojans' ability to win on the road will be tested, while the Nittany Lions will need to shore up their defense to have a chance against the surging visitors.