The USC Trojans (21-10, 12-6 Pac-12) go head-to-head with the Oregon State Beavers (16-15, 8-11 Pac-12) in the Pac-12 Conference Tournament at T-Mobile Arena. The game can be seen on Pac-12 Network at 9 p.m. ET on Thursday, March 8, 2018.
Oregon State Beavers vs. USC Trojans Free Prediction
In the Beavers’ last matchup, they defeated the Washington Huskies, 69-66. The Beavers held the Huskies to an offensive rebounding percentage of 12.5 (below their season average of 29.8) and had a free throw rate of 0.357 (above their season average of 0.276). Oregon State was lifted by Tres Tinkle, who put up 12 points and 10 rebounds.
The Trojans lost to the UCLA Bruins in their last game, 83-72. UCLA made 13 of their 27 three pointers (48.1 percent), while USC was 5-19 (26.3 percent). With 16 points and 10 rebounds, Chimezie Metu had a solid game for USC.
The productive offense of USC (34th in the nation with an offensive efficiency of 113.7) will square off against the mid-tier defense of Oregon State (195th in the nation with a defensive efficiency of 104.1). The Trojans figure to have the advantage on that side of the ball. Furthermore, the Beavers rank 53rd in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.279), while the Trojans rank 32nd in opponents’ FTA rate (0.189).
The Trojans have won both matchups against the Beavers this season, including a 13-point victory the last time these teams met. The Trojans made 17 of their 21 free throws (81.0 percent) and had a better turnover percentage (13.2 vs. 17.4). Jordan McLaughlin recorded a double-double with 13 points and 11 assists.
Oregon State Beavers vs. USC Trojans Odds Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Oregon State, ATS Winner – Oregon State, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
Oregon State ranks 94th in three pointers allowed per game (20.5) while USC ranks 230th (23.5).
The Trojans rank 18th in steals allowed per game (4.9) while the Beavers rank 137th (6.3).
Oregon State averages 15.0 assists per game, which ranks 79th in the NCAA. USC ranks 170th in assists allowed per game (13.8).
The Trojans rank 44th in blocks per game (4.3) while the Beavers rank 128th in blocks allowed per game (3.5).
Oregon State ranks 36th in rebounds allowed per game (32.0) while USC ranks 87th (33.4).
Bettings Trends:
The Beavers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 4.0, up from 3.3 for the season.
During their last five games, the Trojans have scored an average of 73.0 points per game (5.2 below their season average) and allowed an average of 66.8 points per game (4.5 below their season average).
—–
