Take USC to Cover Big Line vs CSU Bakersfield
On the heels of a convincing, neutral site win against Kansas State to open the season, USC returns home to take on CSU Bakersfield, which narrowly won its own season opener. The college basketball spreads have USC as considerable favorite to take down the Roadrunners, setting a lofty college basketball point spread of 23½ points.
Collier, Ellis Shined in USC Season Opener
All eyes were on USC freshman point guard Isaiah Collier, who some media outlets had as the top overall high school recruit. He showed why, scoring 18 points on an extremely efficient 77-percent shooting, connecting on all attempts from inside the 3-point line. He also dished out six assists, though he turned the ball over six times and fouled out of the contest.
It was to no one’s surprise for college basketball predictions that fifth-year senior Boogie Ellis, second in the Pac-12 in scoring a season ago, led the way for the Trojans en route to their victory with 24 points on 50-percent shooting to go along with eight rebounds and five assists. Breakout candidate Kobe Johnson added 16 points and the defensively minded big man Joshua Morgan eclipsed double-figures with 11.
Roadrunners Lacked Depth Despite Narrow Victory
The Cal Bakersfield Roadrunners did not find the same kind of depth in their season opener against Southern Utah. Senior Kaleb Higgins, who averaged just 13 points last season, led the way with 27 points. It was a great sign for the veteran in the first game back from meniscus surgery that cut his 2022-2023 season short.
Higgins was the only Roadrunner to eclipse double figures, which comes as little surprise, as he was the only one to average double figures last season. The Roadrunners will need production from the likes of juniors Marvin McGhee III and Modestas Kancleris to be considered as a betting online pick. One thing they can hang their hats on in the opener was their effort on the offensive glass, with all but one player securing at least one.
Bet USC to Cover Lofty Spread
All signs on the college basketball lines point to a USC blowout victory. Despite the nice season-opening victory, the Roadrunners picked to finish eighth in the Big West Coaches’ Poll, simply don’t have the offensive firepower to keep up with Collier and Ellis, and likely won’t be as effective on the glass with the presence of Morgan down low. Even though 23½ is a considerable number on the college basketball spreads, we expect another impressive performance from USC and for the Trojans to cover the college basketball spread.
College Basketball Pick: USC -23½
CSU Bakersfield vs USC Betting Lines
CSU Bakersfield vs USC Game Information
- Game: CS Bakersfield (1-0) vs USC (1-0)
- Location: Galen Center, Los Angeles, CA
- Day/Time: Thursday, Nov. 9, 9 p.m. ET
- CSU Bakersfield vs USC Live Stream: NCAA
Questions Of The Day
Who are the most in-form players for USC?
Fifth-year senior Boogie Ellis followed up a 2022-2023 season where he was the second-leading scorer in the PAC 12 with a team-high 24 points against Kansas State.
Which Cal State Bakersfield player may have the biggest impact on the game?
Senior Kaleb Higgins was the only Roadrunner to reach double figures against Southern Utah and took 23 of the team’s 63 shots.
