California Golden Bears vs USC Trojans NCAA Basketball Betting Pick & Prediction 11/17/24

Making on a bet on this NCAA game featuring the Golden Bears versus the Trojans? Tip off is at at 9:30 ET, and you can watch it all unfold on BTN. The game will be played at Galen Center in Los Angeles, CA. The over/under for this non-conference contest is set at 153 points, with USC being favored by -10 over California.

CALIFORNIA GOLDEN BEARS VS USC TROJANS BETTING PICK

The Pick: California Golden Bears +10

This game will be played at Galen Center at 9:30 ET on Sunday, November 17th.

WHY BET THE CALIFORNIA GOLDEN BEARS:

• We have this one finishing with a projected score of 77-71 in favor of the Trojans.
• Even though we have USC winning straight-up, we like California at +10.
• The over/under is currently sitting at 153 points, and we like the under with a projected 148 points.

Is a Road Win Possible for the Golden Bears?

California Golden Bears Recent Game/Games

California’s season-opening road trip didn’t go as planned, as they fell 85-69 to Vanderbilt on Wednesday. Entering the game as +7.5 point underdogs, the Bears not only lost but also failed to cover the spread.

After trailing 49-31 at halftime, Cal showed some fight in the 2nd half, outscoring Vanderbilt 38-36. The total points for the game ended at 154, just under the O/U line of 156.

In their last game, the Golden Bears put up 69 points, shooting 43.6% from the field and 35.7% from beyond the arc. Their effective field goal percentage was 47.3%, and they hit 76.2% of their free throws, going 16-for-21 from the line.

Jason Edwards led the way with 18 points in just 19 minutes, shooting 61.5% overall and 50% from three. Andrej Stojakovic added 17 points, while Devin McGlockton chipped in 16, hitting 63.6% of his shots. The Bears managed just 6 assists as a team, with Jovan Blacksher Jr. contributing 4 of them.

California’s defense struggled in their last game, giving up 85 points on 52% shooting from the field. They allowed their opponent to hit 66% of their two-point attempts, with 28 makes on 42 shots.

From beyond the arc, California held their opponent to 28% shooting, with 7 made threes on 25 attempts. They also sent their opponent to the free-throw line 15 times, where they converted 8 for 53%.

Can USC Pull Off a Home Win?

USC Trojans Recent Game/Games

USC narrowly defeated UT Arlington 98-95 on Wednesday, November 13th. Despite being heavy favorites at -15.5, the Trojans didn’t cover the spread. They led 51-42 at halftime but allowed 53 points in the 2nd half while scoring 47.

The game’s total points reached 193, well over the pre-game O/U line of 155.5.

USC’s offense was firing on all cylinders in their last game, putting up 98 points with a field goal percentage of 55.6% and an effective field goal percentage of 60.3%. They were particularly strong inside, hitting 64.4% of their two-point attempts, while connecting on 33.3% from beyond the arc. At the free-throw line, they were solid, making 81.5% of their attempts.

Jaden Wells led the way with 27 points, hitting 7 of 10 from three-point range. Desmond Claude added 26 points and 8 assists, shooting 75% from the field. Josh Cohen and Jaxon Ellingsworth each contributed 19 points, with Ellingsworth hitting 4 of 5 from deep. USC finished with 22 assists as a team, but only managed 3 offensive rebounds.

USC’s defense struggled, giving up 95 points on 55% shooting from the field. The Trojans allowed 29 two-point baskets on 45 attempts, a 64% success rate for their opponent.

From beyond the arc, USC’s opponent shot 33%, hitting 6 of 18 threes. They also sent the other team to the line 27 times, where they made 22 free throws, an 81% clip.