The USC Trojans (11-2) visit Wallis Beasley Performing Arts Coliseum to square off against the Washington State Cougars (9-4). Both teams will look to extend their winning streaks. The Cougars have won their last six games, while the Trojans have won five consecutive games. Action begins at 10:30 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 2, 2020, and can be seen on Pac-12 Network.
USC Trojans at Washington State Cougars Betting Odds
Both teams defeated their last opponent. The Cougars defeated the UAPB Golden Lions 65-50, while the Trojans beat the FGCU Eagles 71-58.
USC dominated every stat category in the game. They had a superb free throw rate of 0.308 (above their season average of 0.237) and an offensive rebounding percentage of 32.3 (above their season average of 31.7). FGCU recorded marks of 0.017 and 28.9, respectively, for those same stats. The Cougars, on the other hand, forced 15 turnovers, while the Golden Lions had a free throw rate of 0.118 (below their season average of 0.191). Washington State received a boost from CJ Elleby, who finished with 22 points and seven rebounds. Nick Rakocevic, meanwhile had a good outing for USC, recording 19 points and 13 rebounds.
The Trojans won the only game between these two teams last season, 93-84. One of USC’s biggest advantages was getting to the free throw line. They made 25 trips to the line, while Washington State went just 12 times. This will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams.
USC may struggle to create turnovers. Washington State ranks eighth in the country at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 15.5 percent), while USC forces the 208th-most turnovers (19.5 percent).
USC Trojans at Washington State Cougars Betting Pick
Pick: SU Winner – USC, ATS Winner – USC, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Washington State ranks 20th in three pointers allowed per game (17.6) while USC ranks 228th (25.4).
- The Trojans rank 38th in rebounds per game (39.8) while the Cougars rank 189th in rebounds allowed per game (36.6).
- USC ranks 21st in blocks per game (5.3) while Washington State ranks 144th (2.6).
- The Trojans rank 26th in assists per game (16.4) while the Cougars rank 200th (11.7).
- Washington State ranks 10th in steals allowed per game (4.7) while USC ranks 167th (8.1).
Bettings Trends:
- The Cougars’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 16.0, up from 8.8 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Trojans have scored an average of 77.0 points per game (1.4 above their season average) and allowed an average of 68.4 points per game (0.0 above their season average).
