It will be a battle between Pac-12 opponents when the No. 25 USC Trojans (12-6, 3-2 Pac-12) welcome the Utah Runnin’ Utes (10-6, 2-3 Pac-12) to Galen Center. The game starts at 8 p.m. ET on Sunday, January 14, 2018, and will air on ESPNU.
Utah Runnin’ Utes at USC Trojans ATS Prediction
In the Runnin’ Utes’ last contest, they were thoroughly outplayed by the UCLA Bruins, 83-64. UCLA’s 11.3 turnover percentage was their largest strength over Utah, who had a mark of 18.6. The Bruins’ mark was better than their season average of 14.8, while the Runnin’ Utes’ was above the 13.6 mark opponents have averaged against UCLA this season. David Collette was Utah’s leading scorer with 15 points on 7-for-11 shooting.
The Trojans defeated the Colorado Buffaloes in their last outing, 70-58. The Trojans forced 22 turnovers, while the Buffaloes had a free throw rate of 0.145 (below their season average of 0.258). With 14 points, 13 rebounds and six blocks, USC’s Chimezie Metu put together a solid performance.
USC should be expected to protect the ball well in this contest. USC ranks 29th in the NCAA at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 16.3 percent), while Utah forces the 92nd-fewest turnovers (18.0 percent).
Utah heads into the contest with records of 10-6 straight up (SU) and 7-6-1 against the spread (ATS). Games involving the Runnin’ Utes tend to finish under the O/U total (64.3 percent).
Meanwhile, USC owns records of 12-6 SU and 10-7-1 ATS. Vegas has typically been fairly accurate when predicting totals of Trojans games, with 8 overs compared to 8 unders.
Justin Bibbins has averaged 19.6 points, 5.6 assists and 1.6 steals over the last five games for Utah.
After the Runnin’ Utes won the sole game against the Trojans last season, 86-64, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. Utah had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.629 vs. 0.417). USC, meanwhile, had a better offensive rebounding percentage (32.6 vs. 28.6).
Utah Runnin’ Utes at USC Trojans Betting Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – USC, ATS Winner – Utah, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
On the road, Utah is 3-4 ATS with 5 unders and 2 overs.
At home, USC is 4-5-1 ATS with 4 overs, 4 unders and 1 push.
Utah ranks 56th in three pointers attempted per game (25.3) while USC ranks 225th in three pointers allowed per game (24.7).
The Runnin’ Utes rank 26th in assists allowed per game (10.9) while the Trojans rank 138th (13.7).
USC ranks 28th in steals allowed per game (5.1) while Utah ranks 109th (6.4).
The Trojans rank 42nd in blocks per game (4.7) while the Runnin’ Utes rank 96th (3.6).
USC averages 36.9 rebounds per game, which ranks 108th in the NCAA. Utah ranks 116th in rebounds allowed per game (34.6).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Utah is 2-2-1 ATS with 4 unders and 1 over.
USC is 2-2-1 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs over their last five games.
The Runnin’ Utes have been outscored by an average of 4.4 points in their last five games. On the season, Utah has defeated opponents by an average of 5.2 points.
During their last five games, the Trojans have scored an average of 79.2 points per game (1.7 below their season average) and allowed an average of 71.2 points per game (1.3 below their season average).
