CSUN Matadors vs USC Trojans NCAA Basketball Betting Pick & Prediction 12/18/24

Don’t miss out on the NCAA showdown between the Matadors and Trojans. The game is starting at 10:00 ET on BTN, and it’s hosted by the Trojans at Galen Center in Los Angeles, CA. Get ready to place your bets! The over/under for this non-conference contest is set at 149.5 points, with USC being favored by -10.5 over CSUN.

CSUN MATADORS VS USC TROJANS BETTING PICK

The Pick: CSUN Matadors +10.5

This game will be played at Galen Center at 10:00 ET on Wednesday, December 18th.

WHY BET THE CSUN MATADORS:

• We have this one finishing with a projected score of 75-72 in favor of the Trojans.
• Even though we have USC winning straight-up, we like CSUN at +10.5.
• The over/under is currently sitting at 149.5 points, and we like the under with a projected 147 points.

Are the Matadors Ready for a Win at Los Angeles?

CSUN Matadors Recent Game/Games

CSUN improved to 6-3 on the season with a 102-91 road win over Cal Poly on Saturday. The Matadors entered the game as 2-point favorites and covered the spread. The total points of 193 exceeded the pre-game O/U line of 159.5.

CSUN took control early, leading 51-34 at halftime, and added another 51 points in the 2nd half. However, they allowed 57 points after the break, which is something they’ll need to address moving forward.

CSUN’s offense exploded for 102 points in their last game, shooting 50% from the field and posting an effective field goal percentage of 55.4%. They were particularly effective from beyond the arc, hitting 57.1% of their threes (8/14), while also converting 69% of their free throws (20/29). The Matadors grabbed 18 offensive rebounds and dished out 18 assists as a team.

Owen Koonce led the way with 25 points and 10 rebounds, shooting 60% from the field and 44.4% from three-point range. PJ Fuller II added 22 points and 7 assists, while Grady Lewis and Marcus Adams Jr. each contributed 17 points, with Adams hitting 3 of 5 threes and Lewis grabbing 14 rebounds.

CSUN’s defense gave up 91 points in their last game, with their opponents shooting 41% from the field. They allowed 17 two-point baskets on 27 attempts, a 63% shooting rate.

From beyond the arc, CSUN’s defense saw their opponents hit 12 of 43 three-point attempts, a 27% success rate. They also sent their opponents to the free-throw line 30 times, where they made 21 free throws, shooting 70%. CSUN gave up 16 offensive rebounds.

Can the Trojans Pull Out the Win as Home Favorites?

USC improved to 7-4 on the season with an 89-63 win over Montana State on Sunday. The Trojans, who were favored by nine points, not only covered the spread but also saw the game’s total points exceed the 142.5 O/U line, finishing at 152.

USC dominated early, leading 47-21 at halftime, but both teams scored 42 points in the second half, indicating a more even final 20 minutes.

USC put up 89 points in their last game, shooting 50.8% from the field with an effective field goal percentage of 55.6%. They connected on 57.8% of their two-point attempts (26/45) and hit 33.3% from beyond the arc (6/18). At the free-throw line, they shot 79.2%, making 19 of 24 attempts.

The Trojans grabbed 12 offensive rebounds and dished out 18 assists. Desmond Claude led the way with 19 points on 6/8 shooting, while Saint Thomas added 17 points, hitting 7 of 11 shots and going 1/1 from three-point range.

Despite giving up 63 points, USC’s defense struggled, allowing their opponent to shoot 50% from the field. Inside the arc, they conceded 26 two-point baskets on 45 attempts, a 57% success rate.

From three-point range, USC’s defense gave up 6 threes on 18 attempts, with their opponent shooting 33%. They also sent the other team to the free-throw line 24 times, where they made 19 free throws, shooting 79%.