USC vs UCLA Odds, Prediction & Pick: Bet Trojans in Pac-12 Clash

It's time to take a look at the USC Trojans vs. UCLA Bruins odds and make a prediction and pick for Saturday night's Pac-12 clash.

The City of Angels crosstown matchup between the USC Trojans and the UCLA Bruins is not just a battle on the court; it's a storied rivalry that captures the essence of competition, strategy and pride.

Saturday night's game showcases two teams on opposite ends of the spectrum both statistically and in the standings.

Let's dive into our USC vs. UCLA betting preview.

USC's offensive metrics throughout the season paint a picture of a team that has struggled to find consistency. Ranking 106th in adjusted offensive efficiency and 154th in effective field goal percentage (eFG%), the Trojans have faced challenges in maximizing their scoring opportunities.

Their turnover percentage, standing at 225th, further highlights issues in ball-handling and retaining possession. However, USC has shown some resilience on the boards, ranking 133rd in offensive rebounding, which could provide it with additional scoring opportunities against UCLA.

Defensively, the Trojans have been somewhat better. Their adjusted defensive efficiency ranks at 115th, complemented by a relatively strong ability to force turnovers (86th). However, their defensive rebounding has been a significant weakness at 324th in the country. That aspect of USC's game will need tightening if it is going to contain UCLA's offense.

UCLA, on the other hand, has demonstrated formidable defensive prowess. Ranked 31st in adjusted defensive efficiency and 114th in eFG% allowed, the Bruins have been effective in stifling opponents' scoring threats. Their ability to force turnovers combined with solid defensive rebounding has made them a challenging matchup for any team.

However, the Bruins’ offense has not mirrored their defensive efficiency, ranking 169th in adjusted offensive efficiency and alarmingly low at 329th in eFG%.

The Bruins' turnover percentage (133rd) and offensive rebounding (110th) suggest they manage possessions reasonably well but haven't maximized their scoring opportunities. That inefficiency will need to be addressed in their game plan against USC.

The must-have app for college basketball bettors

The best NCAAB betting scoreboard

Free picks from proven pros

Live win probabilities for your bets

DOWNLOAD NOW

Given the Trojans' significantly better offense and decently ranked defense, USC covering +5.5 points is my best bet for tomorrow night's game. The Trojans' defense has shown the ability to disrupt opponents, which could be crucial in a tightly contested rivalry game.

Furthermore, UCLA's significant struggles with shooting efficiency suggest that USC might not only cover the spread but also pose a serious challenge outright. The Trojans' potential to exploit UCLA's offensive woes, combined with their own defensive metrics, positions them as a value pick in a game that promises to be closer than the stats alone might suggest.

Take USC +5.5 at BetMGM and expect a tightly fought matchup in Los Angeles, with the Trojans potentially securing the outright win.

Pick: USC +5.5