Michigan State Spartans vs USC Trojans NCAA Basketball Betting Pick & Prediction 2/1/25
Planning on watching today’s Spartans and Trojans game? Catch the action at Galen Center in Los Angeles, CA, as the Trojans hosts this showdown at 4:30 ET on PEAC. In this Big Ten matchup, Michigan State is favored bt -5.5 vs. USC. The over/under for the game is 148.5 points.
MICHIGAN STATE SPARTANS VS USC TROJANS BETTING PICK
The Pick: USC Trojans +5.5
This game will be played at Galen Center at 4:30 ET on Saturday, February 1st.
WHY BET THE USC TROJANS:
- We have this one finishing with a projected score of 75-71 in favor of the Trojans.
- Not only will USC pick up the win, but look for them to cover at +5.5.
- The over/under is currently sitting at 148.5 points, and we like the under with a projected 146 points.
Taking a Look at the Spartans Chances in Los Angeles
Michigan State Spartans Recent Game/Games
Michigan State improved to 18-2 on the season with a 73-51 win over Minnesota on Tuesday. The Spartans were -14.5 favorites and covered the spread. The total points for the game were 124, falling short of the 139.5 O/U line.
Michigan State dominated early, leading 36-16 at halftime. They scored 37 points in the 2nd half but allowed 35, showing some defensive lapses after the break.
Michigan State put up 73 points in their last game, shooting 44.6% from the field with an effective field goal percentage of 51.8%. They hit 32% of their three-point attempts (8/25) and were more efficient inside, connecting on 54.8% of their two-point shots (17/31). At the free-throw line, they made 75%, going 15/20.
The Spartans grabbed 13 offensive rebounds and dished out 20 assists. Dawson Garcia led the way with 21 points on 9/16 shooting, including 1/3 from deep. Tre Holloman added 12 points, hitting 4/7 from beyond the arc, finishing 4/10 overall.
Michigan State’s defense held their opponent to 51 points, despite allowing them to shoot 44% from the field. The Spartans gave up 17 two-point baskets on 31 attempts, with their opponent converting at a 54% rate inside the arc.
From three-point range, Michigan State’s defense allowed 8 made threes on 25 attempts, a 32% shooting performance. They also sent their opponent to the free-throw line 20 times, where they made 15 free throws, shooting 75%. The Spartans gave up 13 offensive rebounds in the game.
Will the Trojans Find a Way to Win at Home?
USC Trojans Recent Game/Games
The Trojans fell to 12-8 on the season after an 82-76 home loss to UCLA on Monday. USC entered the game as +1 underdogs and didn’t cover the spread. The total points of 158 exceeded the over/under line of 138.5.
USC trailed 42-37 at halftime and couldn’t close the gap, scoring 39 points in the 2nd half while allowing 40.
USC’s offense put up 76 points in their last game, shooting 49.1% from the field with an effective field goal percentage of 58.2%. They connected on 66.7% of their two-point attempts (16/24) and hit 35.5% from beyond the arc (11/31). Their free-throw shooting was a concern, as they made just 57.9% of their attempts (11/19).
Rashaun Agee led the Trojans with 21 points, shooting 66.7% overall, though he missed all four of his three-point attempts. Wesley Yates III added 19 points, hitting 4 of 9 from deep (44.4%). Saint Thomas contributed 13 points and 8 rebounds, while Aday Mara grabbed 11 boards to go with his 12 points.
USC’s defense struggled in their last game, giving up 82 points on 49% shooting from the field. They allowed the opposing team to hit 66% of their two-point attempts, as they went 16/24 from inside the arc.
From three-point range, USC’s opponents shot 35%, making 11 of their 31 attempts. The Trojans also sent them to the free-throw line 19 times, where they converted 11 for 57%. USC gave up 9 offensive rebounds in the game.