UCLA Bruins (8-11) vs. USC Trojans (8-11)
January 27, 2024 8:00 pm EDT
The Line: USC Trojans -4.5; Over/Under: 138
(Get latest betting odds)
The UCLA Bruins and USC Trojans face off on Saturday in a college basketball showdown at the Galen Center. Let’s look at the betting matchup and give a free UCLA vs USC prediction.
Why is UCLA so Bad?
This UCLA team is awful, but they have been a little more competitive as of late. UCLA has won two of the last three games, and in the last game against Arizona, they lost 77-71. At halftime they were up 37-28, but in the second half they blew the game. UCLA is averaging 65.2 points while their defense is giving up 64.6 points per game. The offense hasn’t been great, but the defense is ranked 31st and the defense is going to need to have a big game here. Sebastian Mack is averaging 13.9 points while shooting 38.2 percent from the field and 26.2 percent from behind the three point line.
USC Has Lost Four Straight
USC is really struggling heading into this game and they have lost four straight games. In the last game against Arizona State, USC scored only 67 points while their defense gave up 82 points. USC on the season is averaging 75.7 points while their defense is giving up 75.2 points per game. The offense is ranked 148th and in this game early on the offense needs to find success. If the offense struggles early, this could be a long game. Boogie Ellis has missed the last three games with a hamstring injury and it’s unclear at this point if he’s going to be able to go in this game.
UCLA vs USC Betting Prediction
There are better games on the board to bet here, especially without knowing the status of Ellis. Ellis is still dealing with a hamstring injury and I am not quite sold that he’s going to be able to play in this game. UCLA’s defense is giving up only 64.6 points and they are going to step up again in this game against the USC offense. USC won’t have any answer and UCLA is going to get the job done. Back UCLA against the spread.
