The USC Trojans (9-2) challenge the LSU Tigers (7-3) at Staples Center. The game is scheduled to begin at 9 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 21, 2019.
LSU Tigers vs. USC Trojans ATS Prediction
In the Tigers’ last game, they were defeated by the East Tennessee State Buccaneers, 74-63. East Tennessee State out-rebounded LSU. The Buccaneers had 19 offensive rebounds and 40 total rebounds, while the Tigers had seven and 29, respectively. Emmitt Williams was LSU’s leading scorer with 16 points on 7-for-10 shooting.
The Trojans defeated the Long Beach State Beach in their last outing, 87-76. The Trojans forced 17 turnovers, while the Beach had a free throw rate of 0.115 (below their season average of 0.221). Onyeka Okongwu was the game’s top scorer with 28 points on 13-for-19 shooting from the field.
The offensive glass should be a major edge for USC in this matchup. The Trojans rank 68th in offensive rebounding percentage (32.9 percent), while LSU ranks 222nd in defensive rebounding percentage (71.0 percent).
LSU Tigers vs. USC Trojans Pick
College Basketball Pick: ATS Winner – USC, O/U – Over
Betting Trends
LSU averages 7.2 steals per game, which ranks 77th in the country. USC ranks 157th in steals allowed per game (7.9).
The Tigers average 39.7 rebounds per game, which ranks 41st in the country. The Trojans rank 119th in rebounds allowed per game (34.7).
LSU ranks 159th in three pointers attempted per game (21.1) while USC ranks 226th in three pointers allowed per game (25.8).
The Trojans rank 26th in assists per game (16.3) while the Tigers rank 82nd (14.2).
LSU is 13th in the NCAA with 2.0 blocks allowed per game while USC is 29th with 2.4 blocks allowed per game.
The Tigers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 20.6, up from 14.5 for the season.
During their last five games, the Trojans have scored an average of 75.4 points per game (1.1 below their season average) and allowed an average of 72.8 points per game (3.4 above their season average).
