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The Pac-12 has looked down in the non-conference, so it seems like there could be plenty of teams jockeying for position as the slate moves along. While the Arizona schools look the toughest it is hard to tell how it will all shake out.
The USC Trojans didn’t play that well in the non-conference portion of the schedule and needs to pick it up in Pac-12 play. They will aim to pick up a win and should be able to do so when they host the USC Trojans next week.
Washington State has four of its past six games against smaller-conference foes so it looks like it could be a long season for the Trojans. They would love to turn it around by picking up this win but it will be tough.
Watch this matchup live on Sunday, December 31, 2017, at 9 p.m. ET at the Galen Center on ESPN2.
Odds Analysis
The Trojans are 9-5 overall and 8-5 against the spread on the season. USC has covered in three of seven attempts at home this season and is 7-4 against the spread as the favorite.
Washington State is 8-4 straight up and has done a nice job against the spread, covering in eight of 11 attempts. The Cougars have been the underdog five times this season and have covered in four of those.
Key Stat
81.5. That’s the number of points per game USC is averaging on the season, as it will aim to blitz Washington State with big scoring numbers in this one. The Trojans are led by Chimezie Metu, who is averaging 18.0 points and 7.9 rebounds per contest, shooting 53.6 percent from the field and a sparkling 56.3 percent from downtown.
USC is also getting a nice season from Bennie Boatwright, who is averaging 16.5 points and 7.4 rebounds. The Trojans have four different players averaging in double figures and the team is shooting an impressive 46.9 percent from the field as a team.
If Washington State gives up easy buckets, it will be really hard for the Cougars to keep up.
Player to Watch
Robert Franks -- Washington State’s chances could hinge on the play of Franks. The junior forward has taken a big step forward this season and is averaging 18.1 points and 7.1 rebounds per contest. Franks is shooting 50 percent from the field and 43.3 percent from three-point range.
Franks had 28 points last time out and has seen his scoring average increase big-time this year as his role has grown following the departure of some key pieces off last year’s team.
USC has the more well-rounded team, and should win this game. Franks will be the one able to keep the Cougars close if he can play well.
Free ATS Pick
Washington State doesn’t have enough scoring balance to hang around in this one. The Cougars have to hit the road and will likely head home winless against USC and UCLA. The Trojans need to start playing a little better to have a chance at making March Madness. Racking up the wins against teams they can beat would be a good start.
Take USC to win this game, and keep an eye on the spread as the Trojans are likely to cover that as well. Washington State would prefer to slow this game down and win by turning it into a halfcourt affair, but that won’t happen. The “over” may be the right choice depending on where the scoring total comes in for this one.
NCAA Men’s Basketball Odds: USC 81, Washington State 68
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