The Utah Runnin’ Utes (12-7, 3-4 Pac-12) and their great offense travel to USC to take on the Trojans (16-4, 5-2 Pac-12) and their superb defense. The game begins at 9:30 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 30, 2020.
Utah Runnin’ Utes at USC Trojans Betting Odds
Both teams were victorious in their last game. The Trojans won big over the Oregon State Beavers 75-55, while the Runnin’ Utes beat the Washington State Cougars 76-64.
Utah dominated nearly every stat category in the game. They had a superb free throw rate of 0.304 (above their season average of 0.297) and an effective field goal percentage of 0.674 (above their season average of 0.521). For those same stats, Washington State recorded marks of 0.036 and 0.554, respectively. The Trojans, on the other hand, had a phenomenal effective field goal percentage of 0.708 (above their season average of 0.492), while the Beavers had a turnover percentage of 17.9 (above their season average of 14.6). Onyeka Okongwu was a key piece for USC with 18 points and eight rebounds. Meanwhile, Rylan Jones played well for Utah, contributing 24 points.
The Runnin’ Utes dominated this series last year, taking both contests. In the most recent contest, Utah won 83-74. Utah’s rebounding was their largest advantage. The Runnin’ Utes had 10 offensive rebounds and 32 total rebounds, while the Trojans had three and 23, respectively. This will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams.
USC does a great job at getting to the charity stripe. They rank 51st in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.266), but Utah is among the best in the NCAA at keeping opponents off the line (ranking fourth by allowing a FTA rate of 0.144). Also, the Runnin’ Utes’ 52nd-ranked offense (offensive efficiency of 109.3) will battle against the Trojans’ 58th-ranked defense (defensive efficiency of 93.5).
Utah Runnin’ Utes at USC Trojans Betting Pick
College Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – Usc, ATS Winner – Utah, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- USC ranks 38th in assists per game (15.3) while Utah ranks 181st in assists allowed per game (13.9).
- The Runnin’ Utes rank 146th in three pointers attempted per game (21.9) while the Trojans rank 238th (18.4).
- USC ranks 27th in rebounds per game (39.9) while Utah ranks 94th (37.3).
- The Trojans rank 16th in blocks per game (5.5) while the Runnin’ Utes rank 155th (2.7).
- USC ranks 107th in steals per game (6.8) while Utah ranks 229th (4.8).
Bettings Trends:
- The Trojans’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 11.6, up from 6.4 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Runnin’ Utes have scored an average of 67.2 points per game (8.2 below their season average) and allowed an average of 79.4 points per game (7.5 above their season average).
