The USC Trojans (17-6, 8-2 Pac-12) visit UCLA to take on the Bruins (15-7, 6-4 Pac-12) in what should be a high-scoring game. The game is scheduled to begin at 3 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 3, 2018.
USC Trojans vs. UCLA Bruins Betting Prediction
In the Trojans’ last game, they blew out the California Golden Bears, 77-59. USC’s 12.7 turnover percentage was their largest advantage over California, who had a mark of 24.1. The Trojans’ mark was better than their season average of 13.6, while the Golden Bears’ was above their season average of 17.8. USC received a boost from Jordan McLaughlin, who put up nine points, 10 assists and five rebounds.
The Bruins beat the Stanford Cardinal in their last contest, 89-73. The Bruins made 23 of their 25 free throws (92.0 percent) and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.623 (above their season average of 0.533). With 13 points and 10 rebounds, UCLA’s Thomas Welsh put together a good performance.
It might turn into a shootout as two of the NCAA’s best offenses battle. UCLA currently ranks 44th with 113.3 points per 100 possessions and USC is 30th (114.2). Moreover, the Trojans rank 21st in turnover percentage (15.7 percent), while the Bruins rank 330th in opponents’ turnover percentage (16.0 percent).
After the Bruins won two out of three matchups against the Trojans last season, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. In the most recent matchup, UCLA won 76-74. The Bruins’ offensive rebounding percentage was their largest strength over the Trojans. UCLA had a rate of 31.4, while USC posted a mark of 21.4.
USC Trojans vs. UCLA Bruins Odds Pick
Basketball Tip: SU Winner – USC, ATS Winner – USC, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
USC averages 16.5 assists per game, which ranks 37th in the NCAA. UCLA ranks 169th in assists allowed per game (14.0).
The Trojans average 22.1 three pointers per game, which ranks 140th in the NCAA. The Bruins rank 233rd in three pointers allowed per game (24.8).
UCLA ranks 41st in rebounds per game (38.9) while USC ranks 132nd (36.0).
The Trojans rank 23rd in steals allowed per game (5.0) while the Bruins rank 86th (5.9).
UCLA ranks ninth in blocks allowed per game (2.2) while USC ranks 66th (3.0).
Betting Trends:
The Trojans’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 10.4, up from 8.8 for the season.
During their last five games, the Bruins have scored an average of 74.4 points per game (8.6 below their season average) and allowed an average of 72.2 points per game (3.4 below their season average).
