USC vs Cal Odds & Prediction: Upset in Order?
Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images. Pictured: USC’s Boogie Ellis.
USC vs Cal Odds, Pick
USC Odds | ||
---|---|---|
Point Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+2.5 -110 | 148.5 -110o / -110u | +120 |
Cal Odds | ||
---|---|---|
Point Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-2.5 -110 | 148.5 -110o / -110u | -145 |
The USC Trojans finally got back on track last Saturday as they picked up a win over Oregon State. Now, they have a chance to build some momentum as they go on the road to face the Cal Golden Bears.
Cal comes into this matchup trending in the right direction as well. The Bears have won three of their last five matchups, but that run has only pulled them to the same record as their opponent tonight.
The Trojans' struggles this season on the offensive end of the floor are well-known by now. However, their most recent win shows the potential of this club because its depth finally showed through.
USC has been without its second-best player, Isaiah Collier, for the last month, and while his absence coincided with a six-game losing streak, many role players will have confidence heading into this matchup.
Oziyah Sellers has stepped up and proven to be productive alongside Boogie Ellis. Sellers has scored in double figures in five of the last six games, and his prowess from midrange and beyond the arc will be key against the Golden Bears.
Cal hasn't defended the perimeter well, ranking 285th in 3-point percentage allowed. Although, the Golden Bears aren't much better at defending the paint, so the Trojans can use their size to put together a more efficient offensive attack in this matchup.
On paper, the unit with the best edge will be the Golden Bears on the offensive end of the floor. They rank 92nd in adjusted offensive efficiency and have done plenty of damage from beyond the arc. Cal ranks 163rd in 3-point percentage, but 3s have accounted for over 34% of its points.
That's bad news for the Trojans.
USC has been scorched from beyond the arc, ranking 300th in 3-point percentage allowed. However, the variance that comes with shooting 3s at a high volume could come back to hurt the Golden Bears here.
Cal isn't very efficient from long range, and the Trojans will be the much taller team with the ability to put length on the perimeter. USC's size will play a significant role on this end of the floor.
![Header First Logo](https://assets.actionnetwork.com/252389_action-logo-check.png)
USC vs. Cal
Betting Pick & Prediction
These two teams are very evenly matched, as both will have their edges offensively. But the Trojans are still being undervalued here.
Not only do they have some momentum coming off their last game, but their advantages on the defensive end will show why this team was so highly thought of at the beginning of the season.
If the Trojans' depth can stay hot and help Ellis on the offensive end, they will not only pull off the upset but will win by more than one possession.
Pick: USC +2.5 (Play to PK)
How would you rate this article?
![bet365 Bonus Code TOPACTION: Get $200 Sign-Up Bonus or $1K First Bet Safety Net for MLB, All Sports Image](https://images.actionnetwork.com/blog/2024/08/bet365-bonus-code-1.jpg)
bet365 Bonus Code TOPACTION: Get $200 Sign-Up Bonus or $1K First Bet Safety Net for MLB, All Sports
![bet365 Bonus Code TOPACTION: How to Bet on Monday Night Football with $200+ Bonus Image](https://images.actionnetwork.com/blog/2024/08/BreeceHallJetsAP.jpg)
bet365 Bonus Code TOPACTION: How to Bet on Monday Night Football with $200+ Bonus
![Monday Night Football Betting Promos: How to Bet on Jets-49ers with the Best Welcome Offers & Bonuses Image](https://images.actionnetwork.com/blog/2024/02/GettyImages-1961126793.png)
Monday Night Football Betting Promos: How to Bet on Jets-49ers with the Best Welcome Offers & Bonuses
![BetMGM Bonus Code TOPTAN1500 Unlocks $1,500 Deposit Match or First Bet Offer for Jets-49ers Tonight Image](https://images.actionnetwork.com/blog/2024/09/breecespieces.jpg)