USC ATS Pick to Beat California Again

California vs USC Game Information

• Game: California (4-9) vs USC (6-7)
• Location: Galen Center, Los Angeles, CA
• Day/Time: Wednesday, Jan. 3, 10:00 p.m. ET
• California vs USC Live Stream: TBS.com

California has lost 18 straight conference games and 10 consecutive ones against USC. That is reflected in the NCAAB lines favoring the Trojans to win this game, but they have lost five of the last six so it isn’t a lock.

California vs USC Odds and Spreads

California vs USC Betting Trends

• Trojans are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 home games following three or more consecutive road games.
• Trojans are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games as a home underdog.
• Trojans are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games vs. a team with a losing straight up record.
• Over is 7-0 in Golden Bears last 7 games as an underdog.
• Over is 6-0 in Trojans last 6 games as a home underdog.
• Over is 5-0 in Trojans last 5 games as a home underdog of 0.5-6.5.
• Over is 5-0 in Trojans last 5 games as a home favorite of 13.0 or greater.
• Over is 4-0 in Golden Bears last 4 road games.

Against the Spread Pick: USC -7

These last six games have not been exactly great for USC. That does make taking the Trojans to cover the spread in college basketball picks a little bit risky. The Trojans have lost to Gonzaga, Long Beach State, Auburn, Oregon and Oregon State, only beating Alabama State in their last six games.

It has not been all sunshine and roses for a team that was ranked 16th in November. However, there is still a lot of talent on this roster. Boogie Ellis is averaging 18.8 points and Isaiah Collier is putting up 15 to create a potentially elite backcourt.

In the last loss to Oregon State, Ellis played well, scoring 20, but Collier has struggled to adjust to Pac-12 basketball and finished with seven points and five turnovers.

Bronny James stays one more year of college, plays like this and he’s a 3 and D guy at the NBA level for sure. Looks a lot more comfortable.

🎥 @Frankie_Vision pic.twitter.com/7rgCLnYU1O

— Ball Don’t Stop (@balldontstop) December 31, 2023

Still, in that loss, the game’s biggest highlight was Bronny James. He is still on a minutes restriction due to a cardiac arrest that he suffered before the start of the season, but James put up 15 points in 20 minutes off the bench. James’ play might not shift college basketball lines yet, but it sure might soon, having had his biggest game for USC against Oregon State.

Over/Under Pick: Over 151½ -110

This can quickly turn into a high-scoring game. Neither team is defending well, with both schools allowing at least 74 points per game, which is in the bottom five of the Pac-12. Furthermore, USC has the talent to put up points.

To make the over an even better option for NCAAB picks, California also has the talent to score the ball. The Golden Bears have three players averaging over 15 points – Jaylon Tyson, Fardaws Aimaq and Jalen Cone.

Tyson is leading the way at 19.7 points per game, averaging 7.4 rebounds, but still making 1.6 threes. Aimaq is more of a consistent interior presence, averaging 16.4 points and 10.6 rebounds. Finally, Cone is the primary deep threat, averaging 15.2 points while taking 10.2 threes and making 3.5.

Team Prop Pick: 1st Half Winner – USC (-235)

Even though California jumped out to a first-half lead in its last game, it was at home, which helped. Being on the road and facing a struggling USC team that is in desperate need of a win could be a bad mix for California. If the Trojans get hot early, they have the offensive players to put up a big first half, leading to their win.

Bet $200 on College Basketball Games & Get a $450 Risk-Free Bonus on your first deposit!

California vs USC Score Prediction

USC 83, California 74

Questions Of The Day