It figures to be a low-scoring affair as the 20th-ranked Colorado Buffaloes (16-5, 6-3 Pac-12) visit USC to play the Trojans (17-4, 6-2 Pac-12). Action gets underway at 10:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 1, 2020.
Colorado Buffaloes vs. USC Trojans ATS Odds
In their last contest, the Trojans were victorious over the Utah Runnin’ Utes, 56-52, while the Buffaloes were beaten by the UCLA Bruins, 72-68.
USC played a nearly perfect contest. They had a great free throw rate of 0.275 (above their season average of 0.266) and a turnover percentage of 15.9 (better than their season average of 18.1). Utah was 0.182 and 18.5, respectively, for those same stats. Colorado, meanwhile, held UCLA to an effective field goal percentage of 0.435 (below their season average of 0.485). USC rallied around Nick Rakocevic, who had 16 points and 15 rebounds. Evan Battey had a good outing for Colorado, putting up 14 points and five rebounds.
The Buffaloes dominated this series last year, taking both games. In the most recent game, Colorado won 78-67. Colorado’s 0.333 free throw rate was their biggest advantage over USC, who had a mark of 0.125. This will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams.
Points could be at a premium in this contest between two of the NCAA’s best defenses. USC currently ranks 48th in defensive efficiency (93.0) and Colorado is 20th (89.6). Also, the Buffaloes rank 20th in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.287), while the Trojans rank 41st in opponents’ FTA rate (0.176).
Colorado Buffaloes at USC Trojans Odds Pick
College Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – Colorado, ATS Winner – Colorado, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Colorado ranks 30th in three pointers allowed per game (18.4) while USC ranks 203rd (23.7).
- The Trojans average 6.7 steals per game, which ranks 107th in the NCAA. The Buffaloes rank 197th in steals allowed per game (7.8).
- Colorado ranks 49th in assists allowed per game (10.9) while USC ranks 101st (12.1).
- The Trojans average 5.6 blocks per game, which ranks 12th in the NCAA. The Buffaloes rank 130th in blocks allowed per game (3.7).
- Colorado ranks 36th in rebounds allowed per game (31.9) while USC ranks 128th (34.8).
Bettings Trends:
- The Trojans’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 10.2, up from 6.3 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Buffaloes have scored an average of 68.8 points per game (3.1 below their season average) and allowed an average of 65.2 points per game (3.0 above their season average).
