The No. 20 Colorado Buffaloes (16-5, 6-3 Pac-12) visit USC to play the Trojans (17-4, 6-2 Pac-12) in a game that has the potential to be low-scoring. The game gets underway at 10:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 1, 2020.
Colorado Buffaloes vs. USC Trojans ATS Prediction
The last time the Buffaloes played, they were defeated by the UCLA Bruins, 72-68. UCLA won the rebounding battle. The Bruins had more offensive rebounds (13 vs. seven), defensive rebounds (26 vs. 22) and total rebounds (39 vs. 29). Evan Battey led Colorado in scoring with 14 points on 4-for-6 shooting.
The Trojans were victorious over the Utah Runnin’ Utes in their last contest, 56-52. The Trojans made 14 of their 16 free throws (87.5 percent) and had a turnover percentage of 15.9 (better than their season average of 18.1). Nick Rakocevic was the game’s top scorer with 16 points on 7-for-12 shooting from the field.
After the Buffaloes won both meetings against the Trojans last season, these teams will go head-to-head for the first time this year. In the most recent game, Colorado won 78-67. The Buffaloes made 19 of their 24 free throws (79.2 percent) and had a better turnover percentage (10.6 vs. 13.6).
Points could be at a premium as two of the NCAA’s premier defenses go head-to-head. USC ranks 48th in defensive efficiency (93.0) and Colorado is 20th (89.6). Furthermore, the Buffaloes are among the NCAA’s elite at getting to the line, ranking 20th in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.287). The Trojans, meanwhile, rank 41st in opponents’ FTA rate (0.176).
Colorado at USC ATS Pick
College Basketball Pick: ATS Winner – Colorado, O/U – Under
Betting Trends
Colorado ranks 30th in three pointers allowed per game (18.4) while USC ranks 203rd (23.7).
The Trojans average 5.6 blocks per game, which ranks 12th in the country. The Buffaloes rank 130th in blocks allowed per game (3.7).
Colorado ranks 36th in rebounds allowed per game (31.9) while USC ranks 128th (34.8).
The Trojans average 6.7 steals per game, which ranks 107th in the nation. The Buffaloes rank 197th in steals allowed per game (7.8).
Colorado ranks 49th in assists allowed per game (10.9) while USC ranks 101st (12.1).
The Buffaloes’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 3.6, down from 9.7 for the season.
During their last five games, the Trojans have scored an average of 74.2 points per game (1.2 above their season average) and allowed an average of 64.0 points per game (2.7 below their season average).
