California Golden Bears vs. USC Trojans Free Prediction 01/16/20

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The California Golden Bears (8-8, 2-1 Pac-12) will be at the Galen Center to take on the USC Trojans (13-3, 2-1 Pac-12) in a Pac-12 matchup. The game starts at 10:30 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 16, 2020, and will air on Pac-12 Network.

California Golden Bears vs. USC Trojans Betting Odds

Both teams were victorious in their last game. The Trojans defeated the UCLA Bruins 74-63, while the Golden Bears barely escaped the Washington Huskies 61-58.

The Golden Bears held the Huskies to an effective field goal percentage of 0.361 (below their season average of 0.524) and had a turnover percentage of 13.0 (better than their season average of 18.6). USC, meanwhile, was 7-14 on three pointers (50.0 percent), while UCLA was 3-13 (23.1 percent). USC’s Nick Rakocevic had a solid performance, recording 17 points and 14 rebounds. California was led by Grant Anticevich, who recorded 13 points and seven rebounds.

The Trojans dominated this series last year, taking both contests. In the most recent matchup, USC won 89-66. USC’s free throw rate was their biggest advantage over California. The Trojans had a rate of 0.175, while the Golden Bears posted a mark of 0.077. This will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams.

It will be a matchup of opposite tempos as the fast-paced Trojans (ranked 80th in the country in possessions per game) will look to push the more half-court-oriented Golden Bears (321st in possessions per game).

California at USC ATS Pick

Prediction: SU Winner – Usc, ATS Winner – California, O/U – Over

Betting Notes:

  • USC ranks 27th in rebounds per game (40.3) while California ranks 224th (33.7).
  • The Trojans rank 20th in blocks per game (5.3) while the Golden Bears rank 160th (2.5).
  • California ranks 152nd in three pointers allowed per game (22.3) while USC ranks 225th (24.5).
  • The Trojans rank 50th in assists per game (15.0) while the Golden Bears rank 239th (9.6).
  • California ranks fourth in steals allowed per game (4.3) while USC ranks 180th (8.1).

Bettings Trends:

  • The Golden Bears’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 3.6, up from 3.6 for the season.
  • During their last five games, the Trojans have scored an average of 64.0 points per game (8.6 below their season average) and allowed an average of 63.4 points per game (4.1 below their season average).