The Utah Utes (12-6, 5-2 Pac-12) battle the USC Trojans (12-5, 4-2) Saturday. Tip from the Galen Center is set for 10:30 p.m. ET (PAC12). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Utah vs. USC odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.
Utah was destroyed by UCLA 68-49 Thursday. It failed to cover as a 13-point road underdog. The Utes are just 10-8 against the spread (ATS) on the season. They are 3-5 ATS over their last 8 and 3-2 straight up on the road. Utah’s strength is defense, ranking 4th in opponents’ field goal percentage (37.1%).
USC, on the other hand, beat Colorado 68-61 at home, covering as a 3.5-point favorite. The Trojans are 9-8 ATS on the season and 5-1 ATS over its last 6. Their strength is also defense, ranking 14th in the nation in opponents’ field goal percentage (38.2%).
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Utah at USC odds
Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 1:30 p.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Utah +170 (bet $100 to win $170) | USC -230 (bet $230 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Utah +5.5 (-115) | USC -5.5 (-105)
- Over/Under (O/U): 134.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)
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Utah at USC picks and predictions
Prediction
USC 70, Utah 62
Moneyline
PASS.
USC is 8-1 at home, so it is rightly a (-230) favorite. However, Utah is 3-2 on the road. Both sides are unplayable at these odds.
Against the spread
LEAN USC -5.5 (-105).
The Trojans have, simply put, been better for bettors than the Utes recently. They are 5-1 ATS over their last 6 and 2-0 ATS at home in that span.
Utah has lost 2-straight games by double figures, one at home against an unranked Oregon. Utah is also 2-3 ATS after a loss that doesn’t bode well for its confidence on the road.
Couple the recent trends for both sides and back USC -5.5 (-105).
Over/Under
BET UNDER 134.5 (-105).
If there’s one thing both teams consistently do, it is hit the projected Under.
Utah is 6-12 O/U this season while USC is 8-9 O/U. Utah has gone Under in 2 straight and in 3 of its last 5. USC has also gone Under in 2 straight and in 3 of its last 5.
Utah ranks 255th in field goal attempts with USC at 213th which suggests this should be a slow-tempo game, and two strong defenses, the UNDER 134.5 (-105) is the better play.
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