The USC Trojans (11-4, 3-1 Pac-12) battle the No. 8 UCLA Bruins (13-2, 4-0) at Pauley Pavilion in Los Angeles Thursday. Tip is set for 9:30 p.m. ET (ESPN). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the USC vs. UCLA odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.
The Trojans lost to Washington State 81-71 on Sunday, failing to cover as 1-point road underdogs. However, USC has covered 3 of its last 4 games to improve to 7-8 against the spread (ATS). Its strength is in its defense, ranking 17th in the nation in opponents’ field goal percentage (38.2%).
The Bruins are a perfect 8-0 at home and coming off a 74-49 road victory over Washington, covering as 11-point favorites. They are 4-1 ATS over their last 5 and 9-6 ATS on the season. UCLA is strong on both sides of the court, ranking 25th in field goal percentage (48.9%) and 95th in opponents’ field goal percentage (41.3%).
Rankings courtesy of the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll.
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USC at UCLA odds
Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:05 p.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): OTB
- Against the spread (ATS): USC +10.5 (-105) | UCLA -10.5 (-115)
- Over/Under (O/U): 137.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
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USC at UCLA picks and predictions
Prediction
UCLA 74, USC 67
Moneyline
PASS.
The moneyline was off the board at the time of publishing, but even if one opens there will not be sufficient value on either side to play it.
Against the spread
BET USC +10.5 (-105).
Expecting a tight game is smart in a conference battle between 2 competent sides. In its lone home spread of fewer than 15 points, the Bruins beat the Oregon Ducks 65-56, failing to cover as 10-point home favorites.
USC also has one of the most efficient defenses in the nation and has been rolling, covering 3 of its last 4. It is 2-1 straight up on the road as well. If UCLA has a weakness, it is its defensive efficiency, ranking 95th in the nation.
USC’s 2 top scorers — G Boogie Ellis and G Drew Peterson — are both shooting over 44% from the field. They should be able to get open and keep this game close.
Over/Under
LEAN OVER 137.5 (-110).
Both teams are 8-7 O/U this season.
USC has gone Over the projected total in 4 of its last 5 outings and in 2 straight Pac-12 games. UCLA has gone Over in 5 of its last 10 and has scored at least 74 points in 4 of its last 6 games.
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