The USC Trojans (19-7, 8-5 Pac-12) travel to No. 18 Colorado to play the Buffaloes (20-6, 10-4 Pac-12) in what should be a low-scoring game. The game will air on ESPN2 at 9 p.m. ET on Thursday, February 20, 2020.
USC Trojans at Colorado Buffaloes Betting Prediction
The last time the Trojans played, they blew out the Washington State Cougars, 70-51. USC’s effective field goal percentage was their largest strength over Washington State. The Trojans had a rate of 0.524 (above their season average of 0.492), while the Cougars posted a mark of 0.317 (below their season average of 0.470). USC rallied around Daniel Utomi, who was the game’s high scorer with 23 points on 8-for-15 shooting.
The Buffaloes easily got past the Oregon State Beavers in their last matchup, 69-47. The Buffaloes had a much better free throw rate (0.296 vs. 0.140) and held the Beavers to an effective field goal percentage of 0.342 (below their season average of 0.519). Tyler Bey was the top scorer from either team with 21 points on 6-for-10 shooting from the field.
This is the second game of the season between these two teams. McKinley Wright IV had 12 points, eight assists and six rebounds in the first game, in which the Buffaloes defeated the Trojans 78-57. The Buffaloes knocked down 15 of their 17 free throws (88.2 percent) and had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.606 vs. 0.422).
Baskets could be hard to come by as two of the nation’s top defenses square off. Colorado ranks 15th in defensive efficiency (90.6) and USC is 43rd (93.9).
USC Trojans at Colorado Buffaloes Pick
Free Basketball Tip: ATS Winner – USC, O/U – Under
Betting Trends
Colorado ranks 30th in three pointers allowed per game (18.4) while USC ranks 228th (23.9).
The Buffaloes rank 31st in rebounds allowed per game (31.5) while the Trojans rank 154th (35.2).
USC ranks 15th in blocks per game (5.2) while Colorado ranks 122nd (3.1).
The Trojans rank 125th in steals per game (6.5) while the Buffaloes rank 193rd in steals allowed per game (7.4).
Colorado ranks 42nd in assists allowed per game (10.7) while USC ranks 106th (12.0).
The Trojans have been outscored by an average of 0.6 points in their last five games. On the season, USC has defeated opponents by an average of 5.0 points.
During their last five games, the Buffaloes have scored an average of 71.8 points per game (0.1 below their season average) and allowed an average of 62.2 points per game (0.0 above their season average).