The USC Trojans (5-5) will travel to the Leavey Center to meet the Santa Clara Broncos (5-6). Action starts at 10 p.m. ET on Tuesday, December 18, 2018.
USC Trojans at Santa Clara Broncos ATS Odds
In their last game, the Broncos lost to the Prairie View A&M Panthers, 81-64, while the Trojans dismantled the Robert Morris Colonials, 83-62.
USC played a nearly perfect game. They had a free throw rate of 0.281 and an effective field goal percentage of 0.588. For those same stats, Robert Morris was 0.129 and 0.379, respectively. Santa Clara, on the other hand, had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (47.6 vs. 29.0). Josh Martin led the way for Santa Clara, putting up 11 points and 13 rebounds. Meanwhile, Nick Rakocevic was a key piece for USC with 18 points and 16 rebounds.
The Trojans won the only contest between these two teams last season, 82-59. USC’s rebounding was their biggest advantage. The Trojans had 16 offensive rebounds and 52 total rebounds, while the Broncos had nine and 27, respectively. This is the first time these teams will clash this year.
Kevin Porter Jr. has been playing at a high level recently for USC, averaging 0 points over the last five games.
This contest should be a showdown of opposite tempos. USC has preferred an up-and-down style of play (45th in possessions per game), while Santa Clara has been slower-paced (222nd in possessions per game).
USC vs. Santa Clara Free Pick
Free Pick: SU Winner – Santa Clara, ATS Winner – USC, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Santa Clara ranks fifth in three pointers allowed per game (16.6) while USC ranks 190th (24.2).
- The Broncos rank 30th in blocks per game (4.7) while the Trojans rank 73rd (3.8).
- The Broncos rank 82nd in assists per game (14.6) while the Trojans rank 186th in assists allowed per game (14.7).
- Santa Clara averages 35.8 rebounds per game, which ranks 144th in the country. USC ranks 223rd in rebounds allowed per game (38.5).
Bettings Trends:
- The Broncos have been outscored by an average of 9.8 points in their last five games. On the season, Santa Clara has defeated opponents by an average of 1.0 point.
- During their last five games, the Trojans have scored an average of 83.6 points per game (6.1 above their season average) and allowed an average of 72.2 points per game (2.9 below their season average).
