The USC Trojans (20-9, 11-5 Pac-12) will try to put an end to the five-game winning streak of Utah when they head to Jon M. Huntsman Center to take on the Runnin’ Utes (18-9, 10-6 Pac-12). Action gets underway at 2:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 24, 2018, and it can be seen on Pac-12 Network.
USC Trojans vs. Utah Runnin’ Utes ATS Preview
In the Trojans last outing, they defeated the Colorado Buffaloes, 75-64. With 18 points and seven assists, USC’s Jordan McLaughlin had a good outing. The Trojans had 9 steals and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.642 (above their season average of 0.536).
The Runnin’ Utes hope to keep it rolling after topping the UCLA Bruins in their last contest, 84-78. Utah’s Justin Bibbins had a good outing, finishing with 17 points and 10 assists. Utah played a nearly perfect game. They had a great free throw rate of 0.273 (above their season average of 0.261) and an effective field goal percentage of 0.627 (above their season average of 0.540). For those same stats, UCLA was 0.136 and 0.523, respectively.
Utah should have the edge on the offensive side of the ball. The Runnin’ Utes rank 61st in effective field goal percentage (0.543), while USC ranks 212th in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.512).
Bibbins has been superb over the last five games for Utah, averaging 14.8 points, 3.6 assists and 2.0 steals per game.
These teams have already met once this season. The Trojans won 84-67. USC had a much better turnover percentage (8.5 vs. 22.9). Utah, meanwhile, had a better free throw rate (0.224 vs. 0.179). McLaughlin was a top performer in the victory, with 14 points and seven assists.
USC Trojans vs. Utah Runnin’ Utes Prediction
Free College Basketball Pick: SU Winner – USC, ATS Winner – USC, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- The Trojans rank 49th in blocks per game (4.3) while the Runnin’ Utes rank 99th (3.6).
- Utah ranks 44th in three pointers attempted per game (25.6) while USC ranks 207th in three pointers allowed per game (23.4).
- The Runnin’ Utes rank 39th in assists per game (16.0) while the Trojans rank 166th in assists allowed per game (13.9).
- USC ranks 16th in steals allowed per game (4.9) while Utah ranks 103rd (6.1).
Betting Trends:
- The Runnin’ Utes average margin of victory in their last five games has been 14.8, up from 5.6 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Trojans have scored an average of 72.8 points per game (5.8 below their season average) and allowed an average of 70.8 points per game (0.5 below their season average).
