It will be a battle between Pac-12 opponents when the USC Trojans (7-6) welcome the California Golden Bears (5-7) to the Galen Center. The game starts at 10 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 3, 2019, and will air on Pac-12 Network.
California Golden Bears at USC Trojans Free Prediction
The last time the Golden Bears played, they were beaten by the Yale Bulldogs, 76-59. Yale’s effective field goal percentage was their largest strength over California. The Bulldogs had a rate of 0.567, while the Golden Bears posted a mark of 0.373. Paris Austin was the top scorer from either team with 18 points on 6-for-10 shooting.
The Trojans won big over the Robert Morris Colonials in their last matchup, 83-62. The Trojans had a much better free throw rate (0.281 vs. 0.129) and had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.588 vs. 0.379). With 18 points and 16 rebounds, Nick Rakocevic had a solid game for USC.
After the Trojans won both matchups against the Golden Bears last season, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. In the last contest, USC won 77-59. USC had a much better turnover percentage (12.7 vs. 24.1). California, meanwhile, had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (36.8 vs. 29.7).
Kevin Porter Jr. has averaged 0 points over the last five games for USC.
This game should be a showdown of conflicting styles. USC has preferred to play fast (34th in possessions per game), while California has been more half-court-oriented (319th in possessions per game).
California vs. USC Betting Pick
Free Prediction: SU Winner – Usc, ATS Winner – USC, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes:
USC ranks 33rd in assists per game (16.2) while California ranks 209th (11.5).
The Trojans rank 85th in rebounds per game (37.8) while the Golden Bears rank 258th (27.5).
USC ranks 182nd in three pointers attempted per game (21.0) while California ranks 247th (18.4).
The Golden Bears rank 19th in steals allowed per game (4.7) while the Trojans rank 63rd (5.8).
USC ranks ninth in blocks allowed per game (2.0) while California ranks 20th (2.2).
Bettings Trends:
The Golden Bears’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 2.2, down from 4.9 for the season.
During their last five games, the Trojans have scored an average of 83.6 points per game (4.3 above their season average) and allowed an average of 72.2 points per game (1.4 below their season average).
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