It will be a battle between Pac-12 opponents when the No. 25 USC Trojans (7-4) welcome the Washington Huskies (10-3) to Galen Center. The game can be seen on Pac-12 Network at 10:30 p.m. ET on Friday, December 29, 2017.
USC opened as an 11.5-point favorite, while the game’s Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 158 points.
Washington Huskies vs. USC Trojans ATS Prediction
The Huskies will be hoping for similar success after just getting past the Montana Grizzlies in their last outing, 66-63. One of Washington’s largest strengths was their ability to convert at the free throw line. They were 17-21 (81.0 percent), while the Grizzlies were just 4-6 (66.7 percent). Hameir Wright had a good game for Washington, recording 11 points and five rebounds.
The last time the Trojans played, they dismantled the Akron Zips, 84-53. The Trojans held the Zips to an offensive rebounding percentage of 14.7 (below their season average of 33.3). The Zips also had a turnover percentage of 21.5 (above the 14.9 mark opponents have averaged against USC this season). Elijah Stewart was the game’s leading scorer with 20 points on 6-for-14 shooting.
The prolific offense of USC (70th in the nation with an offensive efficiency of 112.7) will square off against the mid-tier defense of Washington (222nd in the NCAA with a defensive efficiency of 104.0). The Trojans figure to have the advantage on that side of the ball.
Washington is 10-3 straight up (SU), but they are just 4-6-1 against the spread (ATS). Games including the Huskies have a slight tendency to go over the total (54.5 percent).
Meanwhile, USC is 7-4 SU and 8-5 ATS. Of the Trojans’ 12 games, 6 have finished over the total.
Chimezie Metu has averaged 20.4 points, 8.2 rebounds and 1.6 blocks over the last five games for USC.
After the Trojans won all three meetings against the Huskies last season, these teams will clash for the first time this year. In the most recent game, USC won 78-73. The Trojans made 24 of their 29 free throws (82.8 percent) and had a much better turnover percentage (10.0 vs. 23.0).
Washington Huskies vs. USC Trojans Free Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – USC, ATS Winner – Washington, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
Washington is 2-1 ATS on the road with 2 overs and 1 under.
At home, USC is 3-4 ATS with 3 unders, 2 overs and 1 push.
USC ranks 21st in rebounds per game (40.7) while Washington ranks 188th (34.3).
The Trojans average 15.7 assists per game, which ranks 71st in the NCAA. The Huskies rank 237th in assists allowed per game (17.5).
Washington ranks 14th in steals per game (9.3) while USC ranks 174th (4.8).
The Huskies rank 164th in three pointers allowed per game (23.2) while the Trojans rank 235th (26.3).
Washington averages 6.0 blocks per game, which ranks 16th in the nation. USC ranks 42nd in blocks allowed per game (2.6).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Washington is 1-3 ATS with 2 overs and 2 unders.
USC is 3-2 ATS with 4 overs and 1 under over their last five games.
The Huskies’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 7.8, up from 4.7 for the season.
During their last five games, the Trojans have scored an average of 88.0 points per game (6.7 above their season average) and allowed an average of 77.4 points per game (5.3 above their season average).
