A five-game home winning streak is on the line for the USC Trojans (14-3, 3-1 Pac-12) when they welcome the Stanford Cardinal (15-2, 4-0 Pac-12) to Galen Center. The game starts at 6:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 18, 2020, and will air on Pac-12 Network.
Stanford Cardinal vs. USC Trojans Betting Odds
Both teams were victorious in their last game. The Trojans dismantled the California Golden Bears 88-56, while the Cardinal defeated the UCLA Bruins 74-59.
Stanford played a nearly perfect game. They had a ridiculous free throw rate of 0.383 (above their season average of 0.219) and an effective field goal percentage of 0.596 (above their season average of 0.558). UCLA was 0.226 and 0.443, respectively, for those same stats. Meanwhile, USC played a nearly flawless game. They had a ridiculous free throw rate of 0.423 (above their season average of 0.247) and an offensive rebounding percentage of 20.7 (below their season average of 32.4). For those same stats, California recorded marks of 0.186 and 11.4, respectively. USC was led by Jonah Mathews, who had 19 points and five rebounds. Tyrell Terry, meanwhile was a key piece for Stanford with 24 points.
This series was highly contested last year, as the teams split their two games last season. The Cardinal won the last contest 79-76. The Cardinal’s 14.1 turnover percentage was their largest advantage over the Trojans, who had a mark of 18.8. This will be the first meeting of the year between these two teams.
It could be a mistake-prone game for the USC offense. USC ranks 286th in the NCAA in ball protection (turnover percentage of 21.1 percent), while the gambling defense of Stanford forces the 15th-most turnovers in the country (24.9 percent). Also, the elite offense of the Cardinal ranks 12th in effective field goal percentage (0.560), while the Trojans are 37th-best in the nation at effective field goal percentage allowed (0.447).
Stanford Cardinal vs. USC Trojans Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Stanford, ATS Winner – Stanford, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- USC ranks 27th in rebounds per game (40.5) while Stanford ranks 194th (34.5).
- The Trojans rank 21st in blocks per game (5.2) while the Cardinal rank 79th in blocks allowed per game (3.2).
- Stanford ranks 211th in three pointers attempted per game (19.5) while USC ranks 230th (18.5).
- The Cardinal average 7.9 steals per game, which ranks 57th in the country. The Trojans rank 185th in steals allowed per game (8.0).
- Stanford ranks 19th in assists allowed per game (9.9) while USC ranks 87th (11.8).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Cardinal have scored an average of 69.4 points per game (3.0 below their season average) and allowed an average of 60.0 points per game (1.6 above their season average).
- The Trojans’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 6.6, down from 6.7 for the season.
