The end of the NCAAB schedule is quickly approaching, and it is almost time to for betting on March Madness. It may not quite feel like March yet, but with games like the No.8 Arizona Wildcats (24-5, 13-5 Pac-12) vs. the USC Trojans (21-8, 13-5 Pac-12), it feels like the tournament is near.
Both the Wildcats and Trojans have two games in March before the conference tournament. Thursday night’s battle between these teams out West has major implications on seeding in the conference tournament and the Big Dance.
Keep your eyes on all our college basketball picks today, and follow along for the Arizona Wildcats vs USC Trojans betting picks. This should be one of the better NCAA basketball games today.
Arizona Wildcats vs. USC Trojans Odds
On paper, the Arizona Wildcats are one of the best NCAA basketball teams, but nothing comes easy in the Pac-12, especially on the road.
Bookmakers have the Wildcats as slight favorites on the road over the USC Trojans. Arizona -2.5 (-110) is favored compared to USC +2.5 (-110). When the NCAAB odds can be decided by one possession, these are the games to watch.
Although the smartest option is to bet on the spread, let’s take a look at the moneyline as well. Arizona is listed at -140, while USC is listed at +120. This game has the potential to not only be the closest game of the day but also the highest-scoring.
These two teams are known for their offensive firepower. The posted total of 154½ (-110) is among the highest you will see, but what else would you expect when making your Arizona Wildcats vs USC Trojans betting picks? The projected team total for Arizona is 78.5 (-115) and 76.5 (-115) for USC.
Arizona Wildcats vs. USC Trojans Information
Arizona Wildcats vs USC Trojans
Location of the Game: Galen Center, Los Angeles, CA.
Date and Time: Thursday, March 2, 2023, 11:00 PM ET.
How to Watch: ESPN | https://livestreamsports.co/
Arizona Wildcats vs USC Trojans Analysis
Arizona Wildcats Performance Recap and Analysis
The Arizona Wildcats are a top 10-ranked team in the country, and deservedly so. With only five losses in a grueling schedule, they are going to be scary come tournament time. The only issue for Arizona is that they are 2-2 in their last four games, including a heartbreaking loss to their in-state rivals, the Arizona State Sun Devils.
When it comes to the Arizona Wildcats odds, all eyes go to their offense. Led by the two-headed monster of Azuolas Tubelis and Oumar Ballo, they are very hard to stop.
In fact, Tubelis is one of the best college basketball players in the country. When you have five players that score in double figures and your team averages over 83 points per game, you are in pretty good shape.
Arizona Wildcats Key Injuries
It is time to hold your breath, Arizona Wildcats fans. Your star big man, Oumar Ballo, is on the college basketball injury report due to knee pain. Thankfully, he is probable for the Thursday night matchup. Our Arizona Wildcats vs USC Trojans betting picks will not be greatly affected by injuries.
Arizona Wildcats Betting Trends to Know
Arizona is 1-3 against the spread in their last four games. It is important to note that this is the second time these two teams have met this season.
On their home floor, the Wildcats beat the USC Trojans 81-66, and they layed the 8-point spread. That game went over the posted total of 152½ Four of the last five games for the Wildcats have gone over.
USC Trojans Performance Recap and Analysis
It is Boogie time in Los Angeles with the USC Trojans. Both the UCLA Bruins and Trojans are dominating college basketball standings, and LA is lucky to have this much star power. The Pac-12 belongs to the Bruins, but they might see each other in the conference tournament or March Madness.
Boogie Ellis made the trip to Southern California and has been cooking ever since. The guard averages 17.2 points per game and has been the senior leader this team has needed.
The USC Trojans schedule in February was a walk in the park, yet they still had two brutal losses. After suffering a loss on the road against the Oregon Ducks, they lost at the Galen Center to 10-win Oregon State Beavers. Since then, USC is on a four-game winning streak.
In their last go-around against the Arizona Wildcats, the Trojans shot 36.9% from the field and 23.5% from three. They won the turnover battle, but they were simply outsized, and that played a big factor. If Oumar Ballo is able to play, Drew Peterson and company will be in trouble down low.
USC Trojans Key Injuries
For the USC Trojans, there are no injuries to report. The Trojans are healthy and ready to storm out of their horse to surprise the Arizona Wildcats.
USC Trojans Betting Trends to Know
It may have been a sour finish to a promising season for the USC Trojan football program, but the basketball team looks to bounce back. As of late, the Trojans are monsters against the spread.
They have covered four straight times and seven of their last ten games. During that same stretch, seven of their games have hit the over.
Arizona Wildcats vs. USC Trojans Betting Picks
Finally, it is time for the Arizona Wildcats vs USC Trojans betting picks. Take Arizona -140 over USC. The offense of Arizona is scary, and frankly, USC should be frightened.
The smartest pick in this game is going with the spread, whether you think the Arizona Wildcats or USC Trojans will win. With only two points separating these two stellar teams, you should just lock in the spread. With that being said, you need to take Arizona -2½ (-110). This should be a cakewalk for the Wildcats, who won their last matchup with ease. The Trojans are good, but the Wildcats are great. This will be shown on Thursday.
This is going to be a close call, but the under will barely hit. Both teams will go under their season averages in points, and the score will be less than 154 combined points. Arizona vs USC will still be high scoring but in terms of what you would expect from their two potent offenses. Take the under -154½ (-110) and under 76½ (-115) for the team total of USC.
Arizona Wildcats vs. USC Trojans Score Predictions
- Pick: Arizona Wildcats defeat the USC Trojans 80-70
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