The USC Trojans (22-10, 13-6 Pac-12) take on the Oregon Ducks (22-11, 12-8 Pac-12) in the Pac-12 Conference Tournament at T-Mobile Arena. The game is scheduled to get underway at 11:30 p.m. ET on Friday, March 9, 2018.
USC opened as a 2-point favorite, while the Over/Under (O/U) for the game has been set at 138 points. Odds provided by BetDSI Sportsbook.
Oregon Ducks vs. USC Trojans Free Prediction
The Ducks come in on a high note after just getting past the Utah Runnin’ Utes in their last matchup, 68-66. The Ducks, who came into the game averaging an offensive rebounding percentage of 31.1, had a ridiculous mark of 36.4 and had a turnover percentage of 8.6 (better than their season average of 14.9). MiKyle McIntosh had a solid performance for Oregon, contributing 18 points and six rebounds.
The last time the Trojans played, they defeated the Oregon State Beavers, 61-48. The Trojans had a better free throw rate (0.170 vs. 0.119) and held the Beavers to an effective field goal percentage of 0.347 (below their season average of 0.526). Chimezie Metu was the game’s high scorer with 22 points on 10-for-15 shooting.
This battle figures to be a high-scoring affair as a pair of the nation’s premier offenses battle. USC ranks 37th with 113.6 points per 100 possessions and Oregon is 52nd (112.2).
Oregon heads into the game with records of 22-11 straight up (SU) and 16-15-1 against the spread (ATS). Vegas is known to set the total high when the Ducks are involved, as 58.1 percent of their games have ended under the O/U total.
Meanwhile, USC is 22-10 SU and 19-12-1 ATS. Games including the Trojans also have typically gone under the total (64.5 percent).
The Trojans have emerged victorious in both contests against the Ducks this year, escaping with a close two-point victory in their last matchup. USC was unable to cover as a 5-point favorite and the game finished with a total of 142 points, which was just 4.5 points below the projected point total of 146.5 points. USC’s 0.598 effective field goal percentage was its biggest strength over Oregon, who had a mark of 0.500. Despite the loss, McIntosh was the game’s leading scorer with 23 points.
Oregon Ducks vs. USC Trojans Free Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Oregon, ATS Winner – Oregon, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
Oregon averages 25.4 three pointers per game, which ranks 44th in the nation. USC ranks 221st in three pointers allowed per game (23.4).
The Ducks average 15.3 assists per game, which ranks 61st in the NCAA. The Trojans rank 155th in assists allowed per game (13.7).
Oregon ranks 35th in rebounds allowed per game (32.1) while USC ranks 83rd (33.5).
The Ducks average 4.4 blocks per game, which ranks 44th in the nation. The Trojans rank 65th in blocks allowed per game (2.9).
USC is 15th in the NCAA with 4.8 steals allowed per game while Oregon is 33rd with 5.2 steals allowed per game.
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Oregon is 2-2-1 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs.
USC is 4-1 ATS with 5 unders over their last five games.
The Ducks’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 3.0, down from 6.9 for the season.
During their last five games, the Trojans have scored an average of 70.8 points per game (6.9 below their season average) and allowed an average of 62.4 points per game (8.1 below their season average).
