It will be a battle between Pac-12 opponents when the UCLA Bruins (8-7, 1-1 Pac-12) welcome the USC Trojans (12-3, 1-1 Pac-12) to Pauley Pavilion. The game will air on ESPN2 at 10 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 11, 2020.
USC Trojans vs. UCLA Bruins ATS Prediction
In the Trojans’ last outing, they were thoroughly outplayed by the Washington Huskies, 72-40. Washington’s effective field goal percentage was their largest strength over USC. The Huskies had a rate of 0.517 (below their season average of 0.532), while the Trojans posted a mark of 0.215 (below their season average of 0.508). Onyeka Okongwu led USC in scoring with 10 points on 4-for-13 shooting.
The Bruins were beaten by the Washington State Cougars in their last outing, 79-71. One of Washington State’s biggest strengths was getting to the free throw line. They had 32 free throw attempts, while UCLA had 21. UCLA’s Chris Smith put together a good performance, leading both teams in scoring with 22 points on 8-for-14 shooting.
UCLA figures to have an edge on the offensive glass in this showdown. The Bruins are among the nation’s elite on the offensive glass, ranking 11th in offensive rebounding percentage at 36.9 percent. Meanwhile, USC ranks 171st in the nation at corralling defensive rebounds with a defensive rebounding percentage of 72.1 percent.
After splitting two games last season, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. The Bruins won the last contest 93-88. The Bruins had a much better free throw rate (0.269 vs. 0.012) and had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (32.6 vs. 26.8).
USC Trojans at UCLA Bruins Free Pick
College Basketball Prediction: ATS Winner – USC, O/U – Under
Betting Trends
UCLA ranks 88th in three pointers allowed per game (20.7) while USC ranks 230th (25.3).
The Bruins rank 23rd in rebounds allowed per game (30.7) while the Trojans rank 154th (35.9).
UCLA ranks 50th in steals allowed per game (5.7) while USC ranks 179th (8.2).
The Trojans rank 50th in assists per game (15.3) while the Bruins rank 122nd (13.5).
USC ranks 25th in blocks per game (5.2) while UCLA ranks 85th (3.6).
The Trojans’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 0.6, down from 4.7 for the season.
During their last five games, the Bruins have scored an average of 67.2 points per game (4.8 below their season average) and allowed an average of 73.8 points per game (5.5 above their season average).
