Villanova Wildcats vs USC Trojans Pick – 4/3/2025

The Villanova Wildcats and the USC Trojans are set to face off in the quarterfinals of the College Basketball Crown (CBC) tournament on Thursday, April 3, 2025, at 9:30 pm. The game will take place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas and will be broadcast on FS1. Both teams are coming off impressive first-round victories and are looking to advance further in the tournament.

Villanova Wildcats vs USC Trojans Game Preview

Villanova enters this matchup with a 20-14 record. The Wildcats recently secured a commanding 85-64 win over the Colorado Buffaloes in the first round of the CBC. In that game, forward Eric Dixon led the team with 22 points, while guard Wooga Poplar added 24 points. Dixon has been a standout performer throughout the season, averaging 23.0 points per game, 5.1 rebounds, and shooting 42% from three-point range. Poplar contributes 14.7 points and 6.9 rebounds per game, providing a strong presence on both ends of the court.

On the other side, USC holds a 17-17 record. The Trojans dominated their first-round game against Tulane, winning 89-60. Forward Rashaun Agee stepped up significantly, scoring 27 points and grabbing nine rebounds. Guard Desmond Claude has been a consistent performer for USC, averaging 16.0 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game. However, the Trojans are facing potential challenges with key players Chibuzo Agbo and Wesley Yates III dealing with injuries, which could impact their performance in this crucial game.

Betting Insights

As of the latest reports, Villanova is favored by 5.5 points, with the total points line set at 151.5. The Wildcats have been strong against the spread, covering in 18 of their 34 games this season. USC has also shown resilience, covering the spread in 15 of their 34 games. Notably, the Trojans have covered the +5.5 line in four of their last five games, indicating their ability to perform well as underdogs.

Both teams have demonstrated a tendency for high-scoring games. Villanova has hit the over in 20 of their 34 games, while USC has done so in 24 of their 34 games. This trend suggests that betting on the over might be a favorable option for this matchup.

Villanova Wildcats vs USC Trojans Prediction

Considering the current form and statistical analysis, this game is expected to be closely contested. Villanova's efficient offense, led by Eric Dixon and Wooga Poplar, combined with their strong three-point shooting, gives them a slight edge. However, USC's recent performance and ability to cover the spread as underdogs cannot be overlooked.

Given the potential absence of key USC players due to injuries, Villanova is likely to capitalize on this advantage. Therefore, the prediction leans towards Villanova covering the -5.5 spread. Additionally, with both teams' propensity for high-scoring games, betting on the over 151.5 points appears to be a prudent choice.

In conclusion, expect a competitive game with Villanova leveraging their offensive strengths and USC striving to overcome injury challenges. Bettors should consider Villanova to cover the spread and the total points to go over 151.5.